From Bodybuilder to Barbarian: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Journey as King Conan
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a man of many talents. From bodybuilding to acting to politics, his career has taken him on a journey that few could have imagined. But perhaps one of his most iconic roles was that of King Conan in the Conan the Barbarian films.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s journey to becoming King Conan began long before he ever set foot on the film set. Born in Austria in 1947, Schwarzenegger began weightlifting at a young age and quickly found success in the sport. By the age of 20, he had won the Mr. Universe title, becoming the youngest person ever to do so. This success launched him into a career as a bodybuilder, where he would go on to win the Mr. Olympia title seven times.
But Schwarzenegger’s ambitions didn’t stop there. In the 1970s, he set his sights on Hollywood and began pursuing a career in acting. After a few small roles, he landed his breakout role as the title character in the 1982 film Conan the Barbarian. This role would go on to define Schwarzenegger’s career and cement his status as an action star.
In Conan the Barbarian, Schwarzenegger plays the titular character, a warrior seeking revenge for the death of his parents at the hands of the evil sorcerer Thulsa Doom. The film is set in the mythical land of Hyboria and follows Conan as he battles monsters, sorcerers, and rival warriors in his quest for vengeance. Schwarzenegger’s performance in the film is both physical and emotional, as he brings a depth to the character that goes beyond just brute strength.
The success of Conan the Barbarian led to a sequel, Conan the Destroyer, in 1984. In this film, Schwarzenegger reprises his role as Conan and is joined by a cast of characters who help him on his quest to stop an evil queen from sacrificing a princess to awaken a god. While the film was not as well-received as its predecessor, Schwarzenegger’s performance once again proved his ability to command the screen and bring life to the character of Conan.
In the years following the Conan films, Arnold Schwarzenegger continued to act in a variety of roles, from action films like The Terminator franchise to comedies like Twins and Kindergarten Cop. But his portrayal of King Conan remains one of his most iconic roles, and one that has left a lasting impression on audiences around the world.
The impact of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of King Conan can still be felt today. The character has inspired countless other heroes in film and literature, from Hercules to Thor to He-Man. And Schwarzenegger himself has become a symbol of strength and determination for people of all ages, proving that with hard work and passion, anything is possible.
FAQs:
Q: Is Arnold Schwarzenegger really as strong as he appears in the Conan films?
A: While Schwarzenegger did undergo rigorous training for his role as Conan, his strength on screen is largely a result of his acting abilities and the skill of the filmmakers. That being said, Schwarzenegger is a former bodybuilding champion and is known for his impressive physique.
Q: Will there be more Conan films in the future?
A: While there have been rumors of a third Conan film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, nothing has been confirmed at this time. Schwarzenegger has expressed interest in reprising the role, so it is possible that we may see King Conan return to the big screen in the future.
Q: What other roles has Arnold Schwarzenegger played?
A: In addition to his role as King Conan, Schwarzenegger is known for his roles in The Terminator franchise, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, and True Lies, among others. He has appeared in over 50 films throughout his career.