Saudi Arabia’s Long Delayed First Hollywood-Style Blockbuster ‘Desert Warrior,’ Starring Anthony Mackie, Is Finally About to Surface (EXCLUSIVE)

As a film enthusiast with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the saga of “Desert Warrior” has been nothing short of intriguing. Having witnessed countless productions grapple with their fair share of challenges, I can empathize with the trials and tribulations faced by this ambitious project.

Three years past, Saudi Arabia unveiled its first big-budget film, “Desert Warrior,” amidst excitement, a high-action movie that was to be filmed in the picturesque vicinity of the future city NEOM, with a substantial budget of $150 million.

Directed by British filmmaker Rupert Wyatt (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”), “Desert Warrior” is the latest production boasting an exceptional ensemble cast that includes Anthony Mackie (from “Captain America”), Ben Kingsley, and Aiysha Hart (“Mogul Mowgli,” “Colette”). This movie is set in ancient 7th-century Arabia where Saudi was a land of competing, hostile tribes perpetually locked in conflict. However, the making of this film has been marred by continuous reshoots, edits, and internal disputes, creating an ongoing storm of production challenges.

However, it appears that the TV series titled “Desert Warrior,” co-produced by MBC Studios (owned by Saudi Arabia) and Jeremy Bolt from the U.S. (“Resident Evil”), along with AGC Studios led by Stuart Ford, has finally found a moment of tranquility. This grandiose narrative, seen as a representation of Saudi’s determination to create premium content for international viewers, is set to emerge in the upcoming year, potentially making its debut on the film festival circuit.

Previously removed from “Desert Warrior” during the chaos by MBC, Wyatt has since returned to the project. This development, as per Ford’s perspective, is positive.

Rupert returned to work on the movie around autumn’s beginning, and it is set to be completed during the first three months of the coming year,” Ford told EbMaster at the Marrakech Film Festival last week. He implied that he played a significant role in reaching this decision since they were facing a critical juncture about six to seven months ago.

I’m really looking forward to watching Wyatt’s performance in New York City in two weeks, said Ford. He believes it was perfectly appropriate for MBC to allow him to complete his work, as Ford remarked.

Ford continued by noting that while the movie may have veered off course at times, viewers should avoid basing their judgement solely on those instances,” he explained. “A film’s quality is determined by its final product, not by any delays or complications during production.

In “Desert Warrior,” Kingsley portrays Emperor Kisra, a ruler known for his merciless nature. However, when Arabian princess Hind (Hart) rejects Kisra’s proposal to become his concubine, the scene is set for a grand showdown. After fleeing into the desert and seeking refuge with an enigmatic outlaw (Mackie), she unites the warring tribes against Kisra’s massive army in a daring attempt to resist him.

Following unanticipated escalation in production expenses for “Desert Warrior”, there’s no doubt that its thrilling final battle sequence will leave audiences on the edge of their seats, hoping it lives up to expectations.

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2024-12-07 12:46