About this Video

• Video Title: Conan the Barbarian (1982): 20 Weird Facts You Didn’t Know
• Channel: MovieDude
• Speakers: Narrator
• Duration: 00:19:56

Introduction

This video presents twenty unusual facts about the making of the 1982 film Conan the Barbarian, focusing on behind-the-scenes anecdotes, casting choices, production challenges, and the film's diverse inspirations.

Key Takeaways

1. Conan's delayed dialogue: Conan's first iconic line is spoken 24 minutes into the film. Arnold Schwarzenegger was initially intended to narrate, but Mako took over due to clarity.
2. Casting considerations: Charles Bronson and Sylvester Stallone were considered for the role of Conan before Arnold Schwarzenegger. Schwarzenegger's casting was considered inevitable and praised by critics for his physical embodiment of the character.
3. Schwarzenegger's extensive training: Schwarzenegger underwent 18 months of intense training, encompassing physical conditioning, combat skills, and acting lessons. He grew out his hair for the role, eschewing a wig.
4. Diverse sources of inspiration: The film's director, John Milius, drew inspiration from various sources, including Japanese culture, samurai traditions, fantasy art (Frank Frazetta), and multiple literary works by Robert E. Howard, El Sprague de Camp, and L. Sprague de Camp. Production designer Ron Cobb blended architectural and symbolic styles from diverse cultures into the film's visuals.
5. Genghis Khan allusions: The film includes many subtle and overt references to Genghis Khan, including Conan's famous line, the scene with the dogs, and the name of Conan's companion, Subotai.
6. Ridley Scott's rejection: Ridley Scott was approached to direct but declined, leading to John Milius taking the directorial role after significant script rewrites.
7. Excessive violence: The original cut was considered too violent by producers, leading to significant cuts and reshoots.
8. Animal rights concerns: The production faced criticism from animal rights activists and environmentalists over the treatment of animals and damage to the Spanish environment during filming. Allegations include animal abuse.
9. Vicious dogs: The dogs used in the chase scene were genuinely aggressive, leading to dangerous situations for Arnold Schwarzenegger.
10. Serpent cult's historical basis: Thulsa Doom's serpent cult draws inspiration from historical religious cults and notorious 1970s cult leaders such as Charles Manson and Jim Jones.
11. Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding comeback: The rigorous training for Conan prompted Schwarzenegger's return to competitive bodybuilding, leading to a controversial victory at the 1980 Mr. Olympia competition.
12. Accidental vodka consumption: The use of vodka to thin the fake blood in freezing temperatures led to cast members accidentally consuming it during filming.
13. Post-apocalyptic original script: Oliver Stone's original script was set in a post-apocalyptic future, featuring advanced technology and mutants, but was deemed too expensive to produce.
14. Conan's sword in the governor's office: Schwarzenegger kept a sword used in the film as a memento and displayed it in his office as Governor of California.
15. Schwarzenegger and Bergman performed their own stunts: Due to their unique physiques, both actors performed most of their stunts, leading to injuries.
16. Atlantis reference: Oliver Stone's initial script designated Conan's tomb as a remnant of Atlantis.
17. Bergman's finger injury: Sandal Bergman lost part of a finger during filming.
18. Bonus for faster deaths: Stuntmen were paid extra to die more quickly in battle scenes to save time.
19. Schwarzenegger as narrator: Director John Milius initially intended Schwarzenegger to narrate, but this was rejected by Universal due to his accent.
20. Accidental set fire: A botched torch throw by Schwarzenegger accidentally set the palace set ablaze, resulting in the scene’s only take being used in the film.