FILMFACTS
PRODUCTION
Conan the Barbarian Movie Behind The Scenes

Making Conan the Barbarian

PG
Thief, Gladiator, Warrior, King!

Production

Go behind the scenes on the 1982 Action / Adventure movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman

Ben Davidson, Cassandra Gava, Gerry Lopez, Mako, Valérie Quennessen, William Smith, Luis Barboo, Franco Columbu, Leslie Foldvary, Gary Herman, Erik Holmey, Dr. Akio Mitamura, Nadiuska, Jorge Sanz, Jack Taylor, Sven-Ole Thorsen, Kiyoshi Yamasaki Update Cast


We believe the following info is all legit. If it's bogus or you have additional info, please update us.

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Oliver Stone's script placed the Conan story in a post-apocalyptic future rather than the distant past. This was abandoned and the original timeline was restored.
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The fake blood used in the film came in the form of a concentrate, which had to be mixed with water prior to use. Due to the cold weather, it was mixed with vodka (as an anti-freeze) instead. In the scenes in which the actors were supposed to spit the blood, they would swallow it instead, then go back to the special effects man for more.
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To give the characters' costumes a more authentic and "lived-in" look, Dino De Laurentiis had the cast members wear their costumes both during rehearsals and the actual scene shoots.
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Schwarzenegger had to tone down his workout, as his arm/chest muscles were so big that he couldn't wield a sword properly.
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It's often said that Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sandahl Bergman did their own stunts, as suitable body doubles couldn't be found. This is probably just hype, as Sandahl's stunt double was Corrie Jansen.
Thanks to Ben Servin
The "Aquilonian" sword (Conan's) and his father's sword were both inducted into the Smithsonian Institute, for "Best/ Most recognizable swords in a movie,"... I think. Also, they were designed and made by swordsmith Jody Sampson, who also sells replicas!
Thanks to Eduardo
Most of the movie was filmed in the surrounding areas of Madrid, to be exact in Villalba.
Thanks to Johnney Perkins
In the years up to the Conan the Barbarian film, fans could read of the progress in the Marvel Conan magazine to follow the films progress, which was in pre-production hell since the mid seventies. Dino De Laurentiis and John Millius originally persued Charles Bronson for the part of Conan (because of the look he had in Chato's Land). But after conflicting schedules and pre-production obstacles the makers eventualy discovered Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Thanks to politeintruder
I had the good fortune of interviewing John Milius and he told me off camera how Arnold would always talk about how he's going to be Governor one day. He'd relay the story in Arnold's accent, "John I'm going to be Governor. You watch".
Thanks to Driver78
Sterling Hayden was originally cast as King Osric, but fell ill during production and was replaced by Max Von Sydow, who took the role because his son was a big fan of the Conan stories.



Next Section: Deleted Scenes

Deleted Scenes

There are often scenes cut from the final version of a movie. Sometimes these will have been seen by preview audiences, or be included in Blu-ray or DVD extras etc.




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Next Section: Alternate Versions

Alternate Versions

Sometimes, there will be several versions of a movie floating about on cable, tv or video etc. Other times, a Director may release a special cut of the movie on Blu-ray or DVD.




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Jump To: Filming Locations
1982 Universal Pictures
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