The Rise and Fall of Conan the Barbarian
The 2011 film Conan the Barbarian, starring Jason Momoa, was a major disappointment at the box office. With a reported budget of $90 million, the film only managed to gross around $60 million worldwide. The film received largely negative reviews, and plans for a franchise were quickly abandoned. In a GQ interview, Momoa suggested that the film was taken over and manipulated by the studio, which may have contributed to its poor performance.
A Comparison to the Original
In contrast, the original Conan the Barbarian film, released in 1982 and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was a major success. Directed by John Milius and co-written by Oliver Stone, the film was produced on a budget of $20 million and went on to make around $80 million worldwide. The film holds a score of 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and has become a cult classic. According to FlixPatrol, Conan the Barbarian was the ninth most-watched film on the global HBO Max charts on October 9th.
The Legacy of Conan the Barbarian
The original Conan the Barbarian film is often credited with launching Schwarzenegger’s career to the next level. The film has become a phenomenon on home video, reportedly grossing over $300 million. Two years after the film’s release, Schwarzenegger returned for a sequel titled Conan the Destroyer, but this film bombed at the box office. Despite this, the original Conan the Barbarian remains a beloved classic and a staple of the sword-and-sandal genre.
A New Highlander Reboot on the Horizon
Meanwhile, Henry Cavill, who worked with Momoa in the DC Extended Universe, is set to star in a new reboot of the classic film Highlander. The film is being directed by Chad Stahelski, who is best known for his work on the John Wick franchise. The reboot is expected to go into production soon, with Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan, and Dave Bautista rounding out the cast. Fans of the original Highlander film, which was released in 1986, will be eager to see how this new reboot compares.
Conclusion
The story of Conan the Barbarian serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of staying true to the original vision of a film. While the 2011 remake was a major disappointment, the original film remains a beloved classic. As the new Highlander reboot approaches, fans will be watching with interest to see how it compares to the original. With a talented cast and crew on board, there is hope that this new film will be able to capture the magic of the original and bring it to a new generation of audiences.
Film Details
- Release date: May 14, 1982
- Duration: 129 minutes
- Director: John Milius
- Writer: Oliver Stone, John Milius
- Producers: Buzz Feitshans
Where to Watch
Conan the Barbarian is available to stream on HBO Max. Fans of the film can also purchase or rent it on various digital platforms. With its enduring popularity and influence on the sword-and-sandal genre, Conan the Barbarian remains a must-see film for fans of action and adventure.
