50 Facts About the Movie Conan the Barbarian

Conan the Barbarian, directed by John Milius and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a 1982 sword-and-sorcery fantasy film that has become a cult classic. Set in the Hyborian Age, a fictional period created by Robert E. Howard, the movie follows Conan's quest for revenge against the evil sorcerer Thulsa Doom. Here are 50 fascinating facts about this iconic film.

Origins and Production

The making of Conan the Barbarian involved a lot of interesting behind-the-scenes decisions and changes. Let's dive into some of the most intriguing production facts.

1. The film's opening epigraph, often attributed to Friedrich Nietzsche, is actually a paraphrase made by G. Gordon Liddy during his autobiography book tour in 1980. The original quote is "What does not destroy me, makes me stronger."

2. Conan the Barbarian was co-written by Oliver Stone, who was initially slated to co-direct the film. Other directors considered included John Frankenheimer, Sam Peckinpah, Alan Parker, and Ridley Scott.

3. John Milius, the director, initially knew nothing about Conan. He signed on because he always wanted to make a Viking movie.

4. Milius had a trilogy planned. The first film would focus on the strength of the sword, the second on how to wield it, and the third on the consequences of wielding it. Only one Conan film was made under his direction, but a sequel, Conan the Destroyer, was released in 1984, and a reboot in 2011.

5. Charles Bronson and Sylvester Stallone both turned down the role of Conan before it was offered to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

6. Producers met Arnold Schwarzenegger when he was doing press for the film Pumping Iron and thought he was perfect for the look of the barbarian.

Characters and Casting

The characters in Conan the Barbarian are as iconic as the film itself. Here are some interesting facts about the casting and development of these characters.

7. Thulsa Doom, played by James Earl Jones, was originally a character in "Kull the Conqueror," another series by Robert E. Howard. Milius wanted Jones' character to resemble the last member of an otherworldly race that had all but died out.

8. Valeria, Conan’s female companion played by Sandahl Bergman, is never named in the film. Bergman was cast because Milius saw her as a dancer in Bob Fosse’s film All That Jazz and thought she could give Valeria a ballerina’s sense of movement.

9. Sandahl Bergman’s finger was nearly cut off during a fight scene. Instead of asking if she was okay, Milius allegedly shouted, “Valeria would never let that happen!”

10. Schwarzenegger seriously injured his knee on set when he was thrown from a horse. Despite barely being able to walk, he finished the last weeks of shooting.

11. Schwarzenegger was originally supposed to narrate the film. Producers switched the duties over fear his accent was too thick.

Filming Locations and Challenges

The film's production faced numerous challenges, from location changes to injuries. Here are some facts about the filming process.

12. The production was initially slated to be shot entirely in Yugoslavia. However, the country’s uneasy political atmosphere caused filming to be delayed for six months before moving to Spain.

13. The film was shot in Spain’s Madrid and Almeria regions over five months.

14. The two primary swords in the film were real 9-pound carbon steel swords that cost $100,000 each to create. They were made with blunt edges for safety reasons. Fiberglass and aluminum copies were made for fight scenes.

15. The three main actors underwent a grueling two-hours-a-day, three-days-a-week fight training regimen for five months straight, taught by martial arts master Kiyoshi Yamazaki. Yamazaki makes an appearance in the film as Conan’s sword instructor from the East.

16. Schwarzenegger did all of his own stunts—the filmmakers were unable to find a matching body double his size.

Themes and Influences

Conan the Barbarian is rich with themes and influences, from philosophy to historical references. Here are some key points.

17. The film contains many allusions to Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy, particularly in its themes of strength and resilience. The famous line "To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women!" is a direct reference to Nietzsche’s ideas on the will to power.

18. Conan’s first line of dialogue is a reference to Genghis Khan, reflecting the Mongol leader’s philosophy on conquest and domination.

19. At least four sequels were planned, though only one came to fruition: 1984’s much-maligned Conan the Destroyer. The family-friendly tone, poorly written characters, and lackluster action of the sequel polarized fans of the original, and Schwarzenegger hated it so much he swore off making sequels until Terminator 2.

20. Red Sonja, a film set in the same fantasy world as Conan the Barbarian and starring Schwarzenegger as a similar but different character, followed Conan the Destroyer in 1985. However, it too failed to launch a franchise.

Reception and Legacy

Despite mixed initial reviews, Conan the Barbarian has left a lasting impact on pop culture. Here are some facts about its reception and legacy.

21. Upon release, Conan the Barbarian was met with lukewarm reviews. Many critics praised the production design and action sequences but condemned the film's violent content and performances. Despite this, the film was a box-office smash and saw continued success on the home video market.

22. The film has since been re-appraised and is now frequently showered with praise by its dedicated fanbase. It has not only put Schwarzenegger into the limelight but also helped launch the great film career of Oliver Stone and cemented the tough-as-nails legacy of writer-director John Milius.

23. Conan the Barbarian is easily the most influential flick from the ‘80s fantasy-action phase. It inspired comics, merchandise, and dozens of cheap knock-offs, shaping the fantasy genre in the 1980s and beyond.

24. The classic film also inspired an unfortunately not-so-good remake that even the lead star Jason Mamoa admits was bad. This remake, released in 2011, failed to capture the essence of the original and was met with negative reviews from both critics and fans.

25. Despite being the main character, Conan doesn’t say much throughout the film. His first line is uttered 24 minutes into the film when the Mongol General asks him “what is best in life?” Conan responds with a legendary line: “To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women!”

Controversies and Challenges

The production of Conan the Barbarian was not without its controversies. Here are some of the challenges faced during filming.

26. Milius’ original cut of the film was deemed far too violent by producer Dino De Laurentiis, and so many scenes were reshot, while others were chopped out and left on the cutting-room floor. One such scene that was reshot is the death of Conan’s mother, which originally was twice as bloody as the still-pretty-violent version in the final film.

27. The production attracted controversy from animal rights activists, who took issue with the usage and treatment of live animals in the film. The American Humane Association oversaw the treatment of animals on set, and observed many instances of poor animal handling. A dog was reportedly kicked, horses were tipped over, and the famous scene of Schwarzenegger punching a camel in the face was 100% real.

28. Beyond unethical treatment of animals, the production also erected ruins on and altered the landscape of salt marshes of Almerimar, which angered environmentalists and stirred protests.

Cultural Impact

Conan the Barbarian has had a lasting cultural impact, inspiring a loyal following and numerous adaptations in other media. Here are some facts about its cultural significance.

29. Conan the Barbarian has had a lasting cultural impact, inspiring a loyal following and numerous adaptations in other media. It has been referenced in various forms of art and literature, cementing its place in popular culture.

30. The movie has also influenced video games, particularly in the action-adventure genre. Many games feature characters and storylines inspired by Conan the Barbarian, reflecting its enduring influence on gaming culture.

31. For many fans, Conan the Barbarian is more than just a movie—it’s an experience. The film’s epic score, memorable quotes, and iconic characters have made it a beloved classic among fans of fantasy and action films.

32. The film is set in the Hyborian Age, a fictional period of history created by Robert E. Howard. This setting allows for a richly detailed world filled with mythical creatures and epic battles, which are central to the film’s narrative.

33. Much of the story in Arnold’s Conan the Barbarian movie is based on Howard’s writings—just not his Conan books. The film draws heavily from King Kull, another pulp fiction series by Howard, reflecting his broad influence on the fantasy genre.

34. Jason Momoa’s 2011 remake of Conan the Barbarian was arguably closer to Howard’s original character but was criticized for its deviations from the source material. Momoa himself looks too pretty to be a Cimmerian, according to some fans, who prefer Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Conan.

35. The Conan universe has a dedicated fan base that engages deeply with the lore and characters. Fans reference the Complete Chronicles of Conan by Robert E. Howard and discuss lore on forums, showing a deep understanding of the fictional world created by Howard.

36. The game Conan Exiles draws heavily from the lore of Conan the Barbarian, incorporating elements from Howard’s writings and the various adaptations. This connection enhances the game’s ambiance and provides a rich backdrop for players to explore.

Props and Practical Effects

The film's use of props and practical effects added to its authenticity. Here are some facts about the props and effects used in the movie.

37. For safety reasons, fiberglass and aluminum copies of the primary swords were made for fight scenes. These copies were used in conjunction with the real 9-pound carbon steel swords to ensure safety without compromising the authenticity of the film’s action sequences.

38. The three main actors underwent intense martial arts training under the guidance of Kiyoshi Yamazaki. This training regimen lasted for five months and included two hours of training per day, three days a week, to prepare them for the film’s demanding action sequences.

39. The movie’s poster art, featuring Schwarzenegger as Conan, has become iconic and is recognized worldwide. The image captures the essence of the film’s themes of strength and power, making it a memorable piece of pop culture art.

40. The film features a powerful and epic score composed by Basil Poledouris, adding to the overall grandeur of the movie. The score complements the film’s action sequences and emotional moments, enhancing the viewing experience for audiences.

Themes and Storylines

Conan the Barbarian explores various themes and storylines that add depth to its narrative. Here are some key points.

41. The film explores themes of power and redemption as Conan is tasked with protecting a young princess on her dangerous quest. This narrative arc adds depth to the film’s story, making it more than just an action-packed adventure.

42. The movie is packed with dynamic action sequences showcasing Conan’s skills in combat and survival. These sequences are a testament to Schwarzenegger’s physical prowess and the film’s well-choreographed fight scenes.

43. The film was primarily shot on location in Mexico, adding to the authenticity of the settings. This location shooting helped create a visually stunning experience for audiences, transporting them to the fictional world of Hyboria.

44. Conan the Destroyer draws inspiration from various real-world cultures, adding depth to its fictional universe. This cultural diversity enriches the film’s narrative, making it more relatable and engaging for viewers.

45. The film utilizes practical effects to bring its fantasy elements to life, creating a visually stunning experience. This approach to special effects was common in the 1980s and has since become a hallmark of classic fantasy films.

46. Conan’s character develops further in the sequel, showing glimpses of compassion and a sense of responsibility. This character development adds complexity to the narrative, making Conan a more relatable and human character.

47. The movie delves deeper into the world of evil sorcery, with Conan facing off against powerful sorcerers in his path. This theme adds an element of danger and mystery to the film’s narrative, keeping audiences engaged throughout.

48. The film’s use of practical effects has influenced subsequent fantasy films, paving the way for future adaptations and sequels. Its legacy can be seen in many modern fantasy films that continue to use practical effects to create immersive worlds.

49. In the Conan universe, Crom is the god to whom Conan shows faith. This aspect of the lore adds depth to the narrative, providing a spiritual context for Conan’s actions and motivations. It also opens up knowledge of what inspired the exiled lands in games like Conan Exiles.

50. Conan the Barbarian has left an indelible mark on pop culture. It has inspired countless adaptations, including video games, comics, and other films. Its influence can be seen in many aspects of popular media, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences today.

Conan the Barbarian's Lasting Legacy

Conan the Barbarian isn't just a film; it's a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the fantasy genre. From Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic portrayal to the epic score by Basil Poledouris, every element of the movie has contributed to its enduring appeal. The film's influence extends beyond cinema, inspiring video games, comics, and even modern fantasy films. Despite mixed reviews at its release, it has gained a dedicated fanbase that appreciates its gritty action, memorable quotes, and rich lore. The movie's themes of power and redemption, along with its practical effects and dynamic action sequences, continue to captivate audiences. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of Hyboria, Conan the Barbarian offers an unforgettable journey into a world of swords, sorcery, and heroic quests.