The Hilarious Moment in Conan the Destroyer That Had Arnold Schwarzenegger Pretending to Be Drunk!

Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Hollywood icon known for his larger-than-life roles in action and fantasy films, such as The Terminator and Conan the Barbarian, has captivated audiences with his physical presence and memorable one-liners. However, there’s one scene in his career that has sparked curiosity: did Schwarzenegger actually get drunk for a film role, or was it all part of the acting magic? The scene in question appears in Conan the Destroyer (1984), the sequel to Conan the Barbarian. Let’s dive into whether Schwarzenegger really consumed alcohol for the scene and explore how he pulled off the humorous performance.

The Scene in Question: Conan Gets Drunk

In Conan the Destroyer, Schwarzenegger’s character, Conan, finds himself in a campfire scene where he appears to be heavily intoxicated. The scene is widely regarded as one of the most comedic moments in the film, with Conan engaging in a drunken conversation with his companion, Jenna. The scene marked a shift in tone from the first film, which was known for its more serious and violent undertones. As noted by reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and Three Movie Buffs, the scene was a playful departure, showcasing the film’s lighter, more humorous direction.

While the scene is memorable for its comedic approach, it raises an important question: did Schwarzenegger actually drink alcohol to portray a drunken Conan, or was it just a clever bit of acting?

Did Schwarzenegger Actually Drink Alcohol?

In the world of film, actors rarely consume alcohol for scenes that depict drunkenness, as it can be dangerous and impractical. Instead, actors simulate being drunk through acting techniques, such as slurred speech, unsteady movements, and exaggerated expressions. This is the most likely explanation for Schwarzenegger’s performance in Conan the Destroyer.

There are no interviews or behind-the-scenes accounts that suggest Schwarzenegger actually drank alcohol for the scene. Standard industry practices encourage actors to perform drunkenness without the need for real alcohol. The fact that there’s no mention of actual drinking in interviews or production notes further supports the idea that Schwarzenegger used his acting skills to convey the effect of drunkenness rather than relying on alcohol.

This method of simulating drunkenness is supported by the Film School Rejects article discussing Conan the Barbarian, where it’s noted that a scene from the first film, where Conan and his companions get drunk in an inn, was written as part of the script, but executive producer Dino De Laurentiis felt it didn’t fit with the dignity of the characters. This suggests that Conan’s drunken scenes were always intended as part of the performance, not as an invitation for the actors to get intoxicated.

Other Films and Drunken Moments

While Conan the Destroyer might be the most well-known example of Schwarzenegger portraying drunkenness, there are other instances in his career where the concept of drunkenness is explored but not through actual consumption. In True Lies (1994), Schwarzenegger’s character, Harry Tasker, is placed under the influence of truth serum, which makes him act in a loopy, drunken-like manner. However, this wasn’t a case of actual alcohol consumption—his “drunkenness” was purely a plot device for the film.

Similarly, in Sabotage (2014), there’s a line where someone refers to Schwarzenegger’s character as a “drunk,” but again, it’s not an instance of his character actually being drunk. This pattern of using scripted moments for drunkenness without requiring actors to consume alcohol is consistent across many of Schwarzenegger’s films.

Conclusion: A Masterclass in Acting, Not Drinking

The famous drunken scene in Conan the Destroyer where Schwarzenegger’s Conan converses humorously while intoxicated was likely achieved through acting techniques rather than alcohol consumption. While the scene is one of the most comedic moments in the film, there’s no evidence to suggest that Schwarzenegger actually drank to portray Conan’s drunkenness.

In keeping with his legendary work ethic and dedication to his craft, Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Conan in this scene is a testament to his skill as an actor—creating a memorable moment without the need for real intoxication. Instead, it was all about harnessing the art of performance to bring a lighthearted touch to a character that was usually depicted with much more grit and seriousness.

Schwarzenegger’s ability to seamlessly transition between intense action roles and moments of humor, like the one in Conan the Destroyer, is part of what makes him such an enduring figure in Hollywood. And while he may not have needed a drink to play drunk, he certainly delivered a performance that left audiences laughing.