Merrick here...

Variety has confirmed a scoop initially introduced by CHUD (HERE) if I understand the sequence of events correctly.

Marcus Nispel (who brought us the remakes of TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and FRIDAY THE 13th) will direct CONAN.

[[[crickets]]]

Given that our reality once allowed for the possibility of Brett Ratner directing this movie, I suppose it's fair to say Nispel is a step up (or is he?). Still, nothing about his career thus far (remember PATHFINDER?) suggests that a Nispel CONAN movie would seem a particularly shiny idea.

Nispel said he will blend his childhood imaginings of the character with the influence of the famous Conan illustrations by Frank Frazetta, and the influence of such viscerally violent period films as Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto."

...says THIS ARTICLE in Variety.

Here's a piece of Frazetta CONAN art to get you going...