CONAN THE DESTROYER (1984): A Lighter, More Accessible Sequel That Still Delivers the Barbaric Goods

After the success of Conan the Barbarian (1982), it was only a matter of time before Arnold Schwarzenegger returned to swing his massive sword as the titular Cimmerian warrior. With Conan the Destroyer, the filmmakers delivered a sequel that takes the original’s dark, mythic tone and injects it with a dose of campy fun and broader appeal. While The Destroyer isn’t as raw or brutal as its predecessor, it’s a highly entertaining adventure that captures much of what made the original great while carving its own, more lighthearted path.

For fans of Schwarzenegger, Conan the Destroyer is a worthy continuation of his journey as the larger-than-life barbarian. It’s also a fascinating entry in his filmography, showing his growing confidence as a leading man while proving he could balance action, humor, and charm—qualities that would define his later classics like Commando (1985) and Total Recall (1990).

A Sequel with a Softer Edge

Where Conan the Barbarian was a dark, brooding tale of vengeance and survival, Conan the Destroyer feels more like a traditional sword-and-sorcery adventure. The violence is toned down, the tone is lighter, and the story is more episodic, resembling a Dungeons & Dragons campaign brought to life. This shift was intentional, as producer Dino De Laurentiis aimed to make the sequel more family-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.

The result is a film that, while lacking some of the mythic gravitas of the original, is faster-paced, more comedic, and arguably more fun. Gone are the philosophical musings about fate and steel; in their place are colorful characters, fantastical creatures, and plenty of action-packed set pieces. While some fans of Conan the Barbarian might lament the change in tone, there’s no denying that The Destroyer knows exactly what it wants to be and executes that vision with gusto.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Bigger, Stronger, and More Charismatic

If Conan the Barbarian established Arnold Schwarzenegger as a star, Conan the Destroyer cemented him as a leading man. By this point, Arnold had fully embraced his role as the larger-than-life barbarian, bringing even more physicality, charm, and humor to the character.

In The Barbarian, Arnold’s performance was defined by his stoic intensity and raw physical presence—a perfect fit for the darker tone of that film. In The Destroyer, he gets to loosen up a bit, delivering a more playful and charismatic take on Conan. His comedic timing is sharper, whether he’s bantering with his companions or engaging in some intentionally over-the-top fight choreography. This lighter version of Conan foreshadows the Arnold we’d later see in Commando and The Running Man (1987), where his ability to mix action with humor became one of his greatest strengths.

Physically, Arnold is even more impressive here than in the first film, having somehow managed to look even bigger and stronger. Whether he’s singlehandedly taking down an army or wrestling with a supernatural foe, Schwarzenegger’s sheer presence makes every scene more entertaining.

A Motley Crew of Companions

One of the biggest changes in Conan the Destroyer is the introduction of a colorful supporting cast, giving Conan a team of adventurers to bicker with, rely on, and ultimately fight alongside.

Grace Jones as Zula: The ferocious warrior woman is one of the film’s highlights. Grace Jones brings an incredible energy to the role, and her chemistry with Arnold is fantastic. Watching Zula swing her staff and fight with primal ferocity is pure joy.

Mako as Akiro: Returning from the first film, Mako provides a sense of continuity as Conan’s loyal wizard. His narration and comedic moments add warmth to the film.

Tracey Walter as Malak: The thief Malak serves as the film’s comic relief, constantly whining, scheming, and bumbling his way through the adventure. While some of his antics might grate on viewers, he adds a levity that fits the film’s tone.

Olivia d’Abo as Princess Jehnna: The innocent princess who hires Conan to escort her on a quest is the heart of the story, though her naïveté occasionally veers into cliché territory.

This ensemble cast gives The Destroyer a different vibe than The Barbarian, which focused more on Conan’s solitary journey. Here, the group dynamic adds humor and camaraderie, making the film feel more like a grand fantasy adventure.

A Quest for Magic, Monsters, and Mayhem

The plot of Conan the Destroyer is a straightforward quest: Conan is hired to escort Princess Jehnna on a journey to retrieve a magical artifact. Along the way, the group encounters various obstacles, including a giant horned monster, a deadly hall of mirrors, and a treacherous queen (Sarah Douglas) with plans of her own.

What the story lacks in depth, it makes up for in spectacle. The film leans heavily into the fantastical elements of the Conan universe, with mythical creatures, elaborate sets, and plenty of sword-swinging action. The hall of mirrors fight, in particular, is a standout sequence, showcasing Conan’s brute strength as he battles a towering, demonic foe.

The emphasis on magic and monsters gives The Destroyer a more fantastical feel than its predecessor, which was rooted in grit and realism. While some purists might miss the darker tone of The Barbarian, the sequel’s embrace of its pulp fantasy roots is undeniably fun.

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia: Building the World of Conan

The making of Conan the Destroyer is just as fascinating as the film itself:

After the R-rated brutality of Conan the Barbarian, the filmmakers aimed for a PG rating to attract a wider audience. This meant reducing the gore and leaning more into humor and fantasy.

Grace Jones, who played Zula, performed many of her own stunts and trained rigorously to wield her staff with authenticity. Her intensity on set reportedly intimidated her co-stars.

Schwarzenegger was in peak physical condition during the filming of The Destroyer, which required him to perform demanding stunts and fight scenes. His sword training from The Barbarian carried over, allowing him to handle the choreography with ease.

Wrestling legend Andre the Giant played the horned monster Dagoth during the climactic battle, though his role was uncredited.

A Worthy Sequel That Stands on Its Own

Conan the Destroyer may not have the same mythic weight or philosophical depth as Conan the Barbarian, but it’s a fantastic sequel that succeeds on its own terms. By embracing a lighter tone, a faster pace, and a more fantastical style, it delivers a wildly entertaining adventure that still feels true to the spirit of Robert E. Howard’s world.

For fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Destroyer is a must-watch—a film that showcases his charisma, physicality, and growing versatility as an actor. It might not be as dark or iconic as its predecessor, but it’s a sword-and-sorcery romp that’s as fun as it is barbaric.

Whether you prefer the brooding intensity of The Barbarian or the swashbuckling adventure of The Destroyer, one thing is clear: Conan’s cinematic legacy is as mighty as the man who wields his sword.