On this day May 14, 1982, Conan the Barbarian was released in theaters, launching Arnold Schwarzenegger into international stardom and delivering one of the most iconic fantasy action films of the 1980s. Directed by John Milius and co written by Milius and Oliver Stone, the film adapted the legendary pulp stories of Robert E Howard into a brutal and visually stunning cinematic epic.
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first major leading role alongside James Earl Jones as the villainous Thulsa Doom, the film told the story of a warrior seeking revenge against the cult leader who destroyed his village and family. With its sweeping landscapes, intense battle sequences and a powerful musical score by Basil Poledouris, Conan the Barbarian quickly became a cult classic and a box office hit, earning 79 million dollars worldwide on a 16 million dollar budget. Conan helped redefine the sword and sorcery genre in Hollywood and proved that fantasy films could succeed commercially when given serious treatment and high production values.
Fun fact: Arnold Schwarzenegger underwent extensive weapons training and physical conditioning for the role, helping to create one of the most physically imposing action heroes in movie history.
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first major leading role alongside James Earl Jones as the villainous Thulsa Doom, the film told the story of a warrior seeking revenge against the cult leader who destroyed his village and family. With its sweeping landscapes, intense battle sequences and a powerful musical score by Basil Poledouris, Conan the Barbarian quickly became a cult classic and a box office hit, earning 79 million dollars worldwide on a 16 million dollar budget. Conan helped redefine the sword and sorcery genre in Hollywood and proved that fantasy films could succeed commercially when given serious treatment and high production values.
Fun fact: Arnold Schwarzenegger underwent extensive weapons training and physical conditioning for the role, helping to create one of the most physically imposing action heroes in movie history.
