The Terminator may have bestowed upon Arnold Schwarzenegger the name that he proudly carries. But, Hollywood history widely recognizes that it is Conan the Barbarian, his breakthrough film, which shall forever be etched in the annals of cinema. Not only did Schwarzenegger’s performance soar to new heights, but the brilliant writing and directorial prowess of John Milius reached an unparalleled pinnacle.

Under the creative collaboration, John Milius, alongside Oliver Stone, shared the credits for scriptwriting. The intriguing reason behind this union stemmed from Stone’s unrevealed vision for another incarnation of Conan. This did not find its path to fruition.

The 1978 rendition that did not make it

The collaborative screenwriter once crafted a 1978 iteration of Conan that unfortunately did not come to fruition. However, destiny smiled upon Schwarzenegger, as this unreleased version had a positive impact on his career. Regrettably, the 1978 rendition could not materialize because of its excessive length, exorbitant budget, and audacious vision. As per Movie Web, it was penned during an era influenced by mind-altering substances. This adaptation, if brought to life, would have spanned a whopping four hours.

Among the reasons that hindered its realization, the 1978 version of Conan faced a significant challenge: the requirement for animals on set. This demand aimed at authentically portraying the barbaric essence of Robert E. Howard’s iconic character. What makes it intriguing is that this iteration took a daring approach, presenting a post-apocalyptic backdrop where Conan bravely battled against peculiar mutants.

Stone ultimately shelved his conception of Conan, but he found solace in championing Schwarzenegger for the role that perfectly aligned with his vision.

What landed Arnold Schwarzenegger the role of Conan?

The filmmakers initially deemed Charles Bronson, not Schwarzenegger, as the perfect fit for the film, contrary to expectations. However, fate took an unexpected turn when the allure of the Pumping Iron documentary seduced Schwarzenegger into pursuing the coveted role. Surprisingly, his impressive physique worked in his favor. The cherry on top was Schwarzenegger’s deep, resonant voice and accent, which added an undeniable charisma to his portrayal.

It was not solely the actor’s physicality that enticed Stone, but rather his captivating charisma. What truly fascinated Stone was the actor’s ability to seamlessly transition from a primal savage to a head, thanks to his innate sense of humor. Stone penned the entire script under the influence of an elevated state, drawing inspiration from the Conan comics. So enthralled was he by his creation that he even had Schwarzenegger recite the lines aloud.

Do you think Schwarzenegger was the perfect fit for Conan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.