Conan the Barbarian is headed to Prime Video in a new animated series led by Genndy Tartakovsky, a veteran creator known for sharp, action-driven storytelling. The Wrap is reporting that the project is now in development with Cartoon Network Studios, marking a major step forward for a character that has spent years in Hollywood limbo.

Tartakovsky first pitched an animated take on the iconic sword-and-sorcery hero back in 2008. While multiple networks and streamers showed interest over the years, the series has now officially landed at Prime Video. Production is still in its early phase, so fans should expect a wait before any finished footage appears.

Speaking in a pre-recorded message at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Tartakovsky said early material may arrive in stages. He suggested animatics could be ready next year, with rough animation possibly following the year after. The timeline signals a careful, deliberate approach rather than a rushed release.

The official premise centers on a more personal story for the Cimmerian warrior. After finding love with the pirate queen Bêlit, Conan faces gods, fate, and even death itself to save her from a powerful dark force. The story leans into emotional stakes while keeping the brutal tone fans expect from the franchise.

Tartakovsky will serve as executive producer and showrunner. He is joined by Darrick Bachman, Fred Malmberg, and Mark Wheeler. The team brings both creative experience and long-standing ties to the Conan property, which traces back to author Robert E. Howard’s original stories from 1932.

The creator has said he feels a strong connection to Howard’s work, which helped define the sword-and-sorcery genre. That influence shows clearly in Tartakovsky’s past projects, especially Primal, his Emmy-winning animated series known for its raw, visual storytelling and minimal dialogue.

This marks Tartakovsky’s first time working with an established franchise since his work on Star Wars: Clone Wars in 2003. His return to a legacy character suggests confidence in the material and a willingness to take on well-known properties without losing his distinct style.

Tartakovsky’s long history with Cartoon Network also adds credibility. His past work includes Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, and Unicorn: Warriors Eternal, all of which built strong fan followings and critical respect.

The move by Amazon to back this project shows continued investment in recognizable IP at a time when audiences are responding to grounded, character-driven storytelling. For fans of classic fantasy, this adaptation could offer a return to form for a genre that has often struggled to find consistency on screen. 

Learn a lot more about this project from Midnight’s Edge’s great video summary below.

While the animated series is still far off, the announcement has already sparked interest. Will Amazon MGM Studios eventually revisit a live-action version of Conan, a prospect many fans continue to support?

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