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The Making of a Barbarian: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Journey to Becoming Conan the Destroyer


Arnold Schwarzenegger is a name that is synonymous with larger-than-life roles and iconic characters. One of his most memorable characters is Conan the Barbarian, a fearless warrior known for his strength, courage, and determination. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Conan in the 1982 film “Conan the Barbarian” was a defining moment in his career, launching him into stardom and solidifying his status as an action movie star.

But Schwarzenegger’s journey to becoming Conan the Destroyer was not an easy one. It required months of intense physical training, hours of sword fighting practice, and a deep understanding of the character he was bringing to life on the big screen. In this article, we will explore the making of a barbarian and delve into the process that Schwarzenegger underwent to become the legendary Conan.

The Beginning of a Legend

Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Austria in 1947, and from a young age, he had dreams of becoming a bodybuilder and a Hollywood star. He began weightlifting at the age of 15 and quickly rose through the ranks of the bodybuilding world, eventually winning the prestigious Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition seven times. His impressive physique and charismatic personality caught the attention of film producers, and he was cast in his first major role in the 1970 film “Hercules in New York.”

Schwarzenegger’s breakout role came in 1982 when he was cast as Conan the Barbarian in the film of the same name. Directed by John Milius, “Conan the Barbarian” was a gritty, violent epic that followed the journey of a young warrior seeking revenge for the death of his parents. Schwarzenegger’s physical prowess and commanding presence made him the perfect choice for the role, and he threw himself into the character with dedication and passion.

Physical Transformation

To prepare for the role of Conan, Schwarzenegger embarked on an intense physical training regimen that would push his body to its limits. He spent hours in the gym every day, lifting weights, doing cardio, and practicing martial arts to build the strength and endurance necessary to portray a fearsome warrior. He also adhered to a strict diet, consuming large amounts of protein and staying away from processed foods and sugars to ensure that his body was in peak condition for the demanding role.

In addition to his physical training, Schwarzenegger also spent hours practicing sword fighting and combat techniques to master the skills needed to bring Conan to life on the screen. He worked with professional trainers and stunt coordinators to perfect his movements and make his fight scenes look as authentic as possible. Schwarzenegger’s dedication to his craft was evident in every scene of the film, as he threw himself into the action with gusto and brought Conan’s ferocity and power to the screen in a way that few other actors could have done.

Becoming Conan

As filming began on “Conan the Barbarian,” Schwarzenegger fully embraced the role of the fearless warrior. He immersed himself in the world of the film, learning the language of the people of Hyboria, the fictional land where Conan lived, and studying the customs and traditions of the barbarian tribes that he encountered on his journey. Schwarzenegger’s commitment to his character was unparalleled, and it showed in his performance on screen.

From the moment he appeared on screen, Schwarzenegger was a force to be reckoned with as Conan. His imposing physique, steely gaze, and commanding presence made him a formidable presence, and audiences were captivated by his portrayal of the legendary warrior. Schwarzenegger’s performance was a triumph, and “Conan the Barbarian” became a box office hit, cementing his status as a leading man in Hollywood.

The Legacy of Conan

After the success of “Conan the Barbarian,” Schwarzenegger reprised his role as the fearless warrior in the 1984 sequel “Conan the Destroyer.” In this film, Conan is tasked with escorting a young princess on a perilous journey to retrieve a mystical artifact, and Schwarzenegger once again brought his A-game to the role. The film was a commercial success, and Schwarzenegger’s performance as Conan continued to captivate audiences around the world.

The character of Conan has become a cultural icon, inspiring numerous comic books, video games, and even a 2011 reboot film starring Jason Momoa. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of the barbarian warrior remains one of the most memorable performances of his career, and it solidified his status as a Hollywood legend.

FAQs

Q: How long did Arnold Schwarzenegger train for the role of Conan?
A: Schwarzenegger trained for several months leading up to filming “Conan the Barbarian,” spending hours in the gym every day and working with professional trainers to build the strength and endurance needed to portray the fearsome warrior.

Q: Did Schwarzenegger perform his own stunts in the Conan films?
A: Schwarzenegger performed many of his own stunts in the Conan films, including the intense fight scenes and action sequences that required a high level of physicality and skill.

Q: What was the most challenging aspect of portraying Conan for Schwarzenegger?
A: Schwarzenegger has said that the most challenging aspect of portraying Conan was the physical demands of the role, including the intense training regimen and the grueling fight scenes that required him to push his body to its limits.

In conclusion, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s journey to becoming Conan the Destroyer was a testament to his dedication, passion, and talent as an actor. Through months of intense physical training, hours of sword fighting practice, and a deep understanding of the character, Schwarzenegger brought the legendary barbarian warrior to life in a way that continues to captivate audiences to this day. His portrayal of Conan remains a defining moment in his career, and it solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.

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