screenshots / Conan the Barbarian / 1982 Dino De Laurentis Corporation
screenshots / Conan the Barbarian / 1982 Dino De Laurentis Corporation
Bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger received worldwide recognition for his portrayal of Conan the Barbarian, the sword and sorcery hero created by author Robert E. Howard.
Other actors considered for the role were Charles Broson, Sylvester Stallone and William Smith (who did appear as Conan's father in the film).
The producers agreed on Schwarzenegger for the lead after seeing his huge muscular frame in a rough cut of the bodybuilding film Pumping Iron (1977).
Filming locations in Spain included the countryide near Madrid and the sand dunes of southeastern Almerķa.
Director John Milius would later helm 1989's Farewell to the King starring Nick Nolte.
Author Robert E. Howard passed in 1936 at the age of 30.
