James Earl Jones played dozens of memorable characters over his vaunted career, so many so that some people may forget he even played a memorable villain inConan the Barbarian. TheConan the Barbarianfranchiseincludes a handful of movies and TV adaptations of the pulp magazine sword and sorcery stories by Robert E. Howard. The roaring warrior, most commonly associated with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s rippling muscles and face, is a classic movie character and synonymous with sword and sandals and the fantasy genre.
The first film in the franchise,Conan the Barbarian, isa sword and sorcery moviethat follows the origin of Conan after he witnesses the death of his parents and sets out to take revenge.Conan the Barbarianreceived very mixed reviews upon release, with some critics decrying it as silly and dumb, and others being fully wrapped up in the hamminess. It’s 67% onRotten Tomatoesis a testament to these conflicting reviews. However, the legacy of the film can’t be understated, andit’s a feather in James Earl Jones' cap that he was a part of it.
James Earl Jones Played Thulsa Doom In Conan The Barbarian
Doom Is A Necromancer And Conan’s Archnemesis
James Earl Jones co-stars inConan the Barbarianas Thulsa Doom, a villain perhaps even more evil than Jones' most famous role, that of Darth Vader. Thulsa Doom is the architect of all Conan’s pain in the film. It’s Doom and his forces who massacre Conan’s village and parents at the start of the movie. A powerful cult leader,Doom is incredibly persuasive, hypnotically bringing people to his side and using magic to counter Conan’s brute strength. In their final confrontation, Doom tries one last time to entrance Conan, but the Barbarian resists and beheads his foe.
James Earl Jones' House Character Is One Of His Most Underrated Roles & Changed The Trajectory Of The Entire Show
James Earl Jones’ one-off character in House is one of his most underrated, against-type roles and it changed the trajectory of the entire show.
Thulsa Doom in the original story is a skeletal figure. An undead wizard, Doom, is a necromancer who has a bare white skull for a head. InConan the Barbarian, Doom is a human figure, though he states he’s been around for thousands of years. He’s still incredibly powerful, with the ability to turn into a snake. It’s an impressive performance by Jones, who has all the majesty and ego of a cult leader. He’s powerful when he needs to be, butit’s his quiet moments where he seduces people to his side that Jones really shows his acting chops.
Jones Left An Incredible Acting Legacy
James Earl Jones Has Played Some Of The Greatest Movie Characters Ever
Considering theincredible roles James Earl Joneshad over his long career, it’s reasonable that some people may forget some of his performances. He began his professional acting career in 1963, appearing in the TV show,East Side/West Side, for one episode, but he quickly moved into more notable parts including Lieutenant Lothar Zogg inDr. Strangeloveand Dr. Magiot inThe Comedians.Jones burst into the popular consciousness and stayed there after voicing Darth Vaderin George Lucas' hit,Star Wars.
2
1
10
3
5
It was this role that would paint Jones' career forever afterward, and his deep, baritone voice would become synonymous with powerful characters, both good and evil. Mufasa inThe Lion King, Terence Mann inField of Dreams, and Admiral James Greer inThe Hunt for Red Octoberare just a handful of the incredible performances Jones had before he passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by his family (viaReuters). James Earl Jones left an impression with everything he did, fromConan the BarbariantoClick.
Conan the Barbarian
Cast
Conan the Barbarian, released in 1982, follows Conan, portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, on a quest for vengeance after his parents are killed by the sinister Thulsa Doom. Trained in combat, Conan forms an alliance with thieves Valeria and Subotai, embarking on a perilous journey involving a king’s missing daughter.
