Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in two Conan movies: Conan the Barbarian (1982) and Conan the Destroyer (1984). While numerous sequels and reboots have been discussed, Schwarzenegger only officially portrayed the character twice on the silver screen.
The Dawn of a Legend: Conan the Barbarian
Conan the Barbarian, released in 1982, catapulted Arnold Schwarzenegger to international stardom. Directed by John Milius, the film served as a brutal and visually stunning adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s iconic pulp fiction character. It told the origin story of Conan, from his childhood enslavement after the massacre of his village to his rise as a gladiator, thief, and ultimately, a warrior seeking revenge against Thulsa Doom, the sorcerer who murdered his parents.
The film’s success lay not only in Schwarzenegger’s imposing physique, perfectly suited to the role, but also in its epic scope, memorable score by Basil Poledouris, and its unflinching portrayal of violence and the harsh realities of Conan’s world. It was a box office hit, grossing over $100 million worldwide against a budget of $20 million, solidifying Schwarzenegger’s status as an action icon.
Conan’s Return: Conan the Destroyer
Two years later, in 1984, Conan the Destroyer followed. This sequel, directed by Richard Fleischer, took a somewhat lighter tone than its predecessor. While still featuring plenty of action, it incorporated more humor and a quest-based narrative. Conan, along with a group of companions, is tasked with escorting a princess and retrieving a magical gem.
Although Conan the Destroyer was also a commercial success, it received a mixed reception from critics and fans alike. Many felt that the toned-down violence and increased focus on humor diminished the gritty atmosphere that made the first film so compelling. Despite the criticism, it further cemented the franchise’s popularity and kept the dream of a third Conan film alive for decades.
Unfulfilled Dreams: The Quest for a Third Conan Film
For years, rumors swirled about a potential third Conan film, often referred to as King Conan: Crown of Iron. Schwarzenegger himself expressed interest in reprising the role, envisioning an older, wiser Conan as a king facing new challenges. However, the project faced numerous obstacles, including script issues, scheduling conflicts, and studio hesitations.
Various iterations of the script were developed, each exploring different aspects of Conan’s reign. Some versions depicted Conan as a seasoned warrior struggling to maintain his kingdom, while others focused on his family and the threats they faced. Despite the efforts, King Conan: Crown of Iron remained elusive, never making it past the development stage.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Conan FAQs
FAQ 1: Why only two Conan movies with Arnold Schwarzenegger?
While both Conan the Barbarian and Conan the Destroyer were financially successful, the decision not to immediately proceed with a third film was likely influenced by a combination of factors. These included Schwarzenegger’s rising career trajectory and his involvement in other projects like the Terminator franchise, as well as creative differences regarding the direction of the Conan series. Studios were also likely wary of potential diminishing returns if the franchise continued to deviate from the original film’s darker tone.
FAQ 2: What was King Conan: Crown of Iron supposed to be about?
King Conan: Crown of Iron, the proposed third film, was intended to depict Conan as an aging king grappling with the responsibilities of his crown and the challenges of ruling Aquilonia. The storyline reportedly involved threats to his kingdom, familial struggles, and the emergence of new adversaries. He would have been more politically savvy and less focused purely on brute strength.
FAQ 3: Did Arnold Schwarzenegger ever actively campaign for a third Conan film?
Yes, Schwarzenegger frequently expressed his enthusiasm for reprising the role of Conan. He publicly discussed the King Conan project in numerous interviews over the years, actively trying to keep the idea alive and encouraging studios to move forward with the production. He saw it as a way to revisit a character that launched his career and explore a different side of the barbarian.
FAQ 4: Why was King Conan: Crown of Iron ultimately never made?
The project faced a long and arduous development process, plagued by script revisions, directorial changes, and studio reluctance. Ultimately, Schwarzenegger’s age and evolving career priorities, coupled with ongoing creative disagreements, contributed to the film’s eventual demise. Rights issues also played a role, hindering progress at various stages.
FAQ 5: Are there any plans for a new Conan movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the future?
While never say never, the prospects of Schwarzenegger reprising the role of Conan at this stage are considered unlikely. He’s expressed some interest in other projects, but King Conan as originally envisioned seems to be permanently shelved.
FAQ 6: Was Arnold Schwarzenegger the only actor considered for the role of Conan?
No, other actors were considered for the role of Conan, including Charles Bronson. However, Schwarzenegger’s imposing physique and dedication to physical training ultimately made him the perfect fit for the character. John Milius specifically sought someone who could embody the raw power and physicality of Conan as envisioned by Robert E. Howard.
FAQ 7: How did the Conan movies impact Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career?
The Conan movies were instrumental in launching Schwarzenegger’s Hollywood career. They established him as a viable action star and paved the way for his later successes in films like The Terminator, Predator, and Total Recall. Conan the Barbarian, in particular, demonstrated his ability to carry a leading role in a big-budget production.
FAQ 8: What are the main differences between Conan the Barbarian and Conan the Destroyer?
Conan the Barbarian is a darker, more serious film focused on revenge and Conan’s personal journey. Conan the Destroyer is a lighter, more fantastical adventure with a greater emphasis on humor and a quest-driven narrative. The violence is also toned down in the sequel.
FAQ 9: How closely do the Conan movies follow Robert E. Howard’s original stories?
While both films draw inspiration from Robert E. Howard’s Conan stories, they take significant liberties with the source material. Conan the Barbarian arguably adheres more closely to the tone and themes of Howard’s writing, while Conan the Destroyer departs further into more generic fantasy territory. Neither film is a direct adaptation of any single Conan story.
FAQ 10: Who owns the rights to the Conan character and franchise?
The rights to the Conan character and franchise have changed hands several times over the years. Currently, they are controlled by various entities, which contributes to the difficulties in producing new Conan-related content.
FAQ 11: Are there any other Conan movies besides the two starring Arnold Schwarzenegger?
Yes, there was a 2011 reboot titled Conan the Barbarian starring Jason Momoa. However, it was not well-received by critics or audiences and did not lead to any sequels. It is considered a separate continuity from the Schwarzenegger films.
FAQ 12: What is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s favorite memory from filming the Conan movies?
While Schwarzenegger has many fond memories from filming Conan, he often cites the camaraderie among the cast and crew, the challenging physical training, and the sheer scale of the production as highlights. He particularly enjoyed the experience of bringing such an iconic character to life on the big screen and working with director John Milius on Conan the Barbarian. He considered it a turning point in his career.