“Shame We Never Got King…”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Fans Celebrate 42nd Anniversary of Cult Classic Film

14th May marks a special day in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s acting career. 42 years ago, on 14th May 1982, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in what would become a historic film in the action-fantasy genre. It also paved the way for the seven-time Mr. Olympia to star as the leading man of record-breaking blockbusters.

The Arnold Sports Festival page posted an iconic clip of Arnold Schwarzenegger training with a sword on their Instagram page. The Instagram page celebrated the 42nd anniversary of Conan the Barbarian. While the bodybuilding legend may not have known it then, his film would go on to become a cult classic ahead of its time.

“42 years ago today, Conan the Barbarian, starring @schwarzenegger, was released in the US and Canadian Cinemas. Forever legendary,” read the caption. With Conan the Barbarian, Schwarzenegger had to step out of his comfort zone. Director John Millius demanded that Arnie lose some muscle to look more like a warrior.

So Arnold Schwarzenegger became the first and probably the only actor who needed to lose muscle to play a physically demanding role. The Austrian Oak also learned the art of swordsmanship from Japanese master swordsman Kiyoshi Yamazaki. Arnie also mastered horse riding and performed endurance-based training.

The actor also gave his literal blood and sweat during shooting, as he got injured on multiple occasions. The result was a film that gave him the breakthrough he needed. Arnold Schwarzenegger also laid the blueprint for what a comic-book hero should look like on the silver screen. However, fans hoped for one last hurrah on the film’s 42nd anniversary.

Fans want Arnold Schwarzenegger to play Conan again

“It is pending that Arnold will play Conan when he becomes king. I hope you can do it. I’m a great fan,” wrote one fan. “Shame we never got King Conan,” wrote a second fan. Unfortunately, a poor box-office turnout for Conan the Destroyer (1984) killed the trilogy, where Arnie was supposed to play King Conan.

“With those guns, he doesn’t need the sword,” wrote one fan. Ironically, Conan’s sword has become an iconic prop, appearing in several other projects as a reference or homage to the 1982 cult classic. “Still one of my favorite movies ever,” commented one fan. “Both Barbarian and Destroyer themes by BP, is in my workout playlist. Two of the greatest Adventures ever made! The turning point of Arnie’s career in Hollywood!” wrote another.

Although the Conan trilogy got axed, loyal fans still wish they could’ve gotten the chance to see Arnold Schwarzenegger as King Conan. Although some rumors of a third film have surfaced in these four decades, they didn’t lead to anything concrete.