Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals Why He Was “The Perfect Guy” to Play Conan the Barbarian

The iconic action star and seven-time Mr. Olympia, Arnold Schwarzenegger, recently delved into his life journey in a candid interview on the New Heights podcast with hosts Jason and Travis Kelce. The conversation touched upon Schwarzenegger’s illustrious career, including his transition from bodybuilding into acting, his retirement, and his latest book, ‘Be Useful: Seven Tools For Life.’

One of the highlights of the discussion was Schwarzenegger’s reflection on his 1982 debut film and his role as Conan the Barbarian and why he was deemed “the perfect guy” for the part. He reminisced about the heyday of action movies, emphasizing how he and Sylvester Stallone revolutionized the genre by bringing a new level of physicality and authenticity to their roles.

Schwarzenegger pointed out that before their time, action movie stars lacked the physical presence and credibility to truly embody their characters. However, with films like ‘Rocky’ and ‘Conan the Barbarian, they shattered stereotypes and set a new standard for action heroes. He explained, “We created an era… we were the first ones that came on the scene with… guys who were really believable physically speaking.”

Schwarzenegger conveyed people felt as if Conan couldn’t exist without him owing to the physique and acting he portrayed. He continued and stated, “Because there was no one around that had a body like that and could act. So, I was kind of the perfect guy for that time.” Reflecting on his portrayal of Conan, the 76-year-old highlighted the physical demands of the role.

The Terminator revealed that he had to perform many of his stunts himself due to the lack of stunt doubles, with a physique like his own. He recalled enduring challenges such as trampling by horses and engaging in intense sword fights, underscoring the dedication required to bring the character to life. During the conversation about his movies, he brought up the subject of the competitive spirit that he and Sly showed.

Without competition, there’s no performance: Arnold Schwarzenegger

As the podcast moved on, Arnie described how he and Sly vied not only for the best physique but also for box office success and on-screen prowess, leading to a friendly yet fierce rivalry among them. Schwarzenegger brought about a humorous anecdote about wielding an oversized machine gun in ‘Commando’, where he recalled struggling to hold up the hefty weapon, and exaggerated action sequences that defined the era.

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Despite the intense competition, Schwarzenegger emphasized the camaraderie shared among his fellow actors. He noted how their rivalry fueled their drive for excellence, ultimately benefiting the entire industry.

“Competition creates performance,” he remarked, highlighting the positive impact of their friendly competition on their respective careers.

Schwarzenegger’s insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of action movies and the indelible mark he and his contemporaries left on the genre. Do you also believe that they revolutionized the action movie industry? Let us know in the comments below.

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