Saudi Film ‘Desert Warrior’ Set to Premiere in U.S. Theaters on April 24
Vertical has released the first trailer for Rupert Wyatt’s epic film Desert Warrior, shot in Saudi Arabia, and announced its U.S. release date set for April 24. This marks a significant milestone, occurring five years after the film’s initial announcement.
Starring Anthony Mackie, the film tells the story of a legendary seventh-century bandit who must come to the aid of Princess Hind, portrayed by Aiysha Hart. The princess fends off the advances of the ruthless Emperor Kisra, played by Sir Ben Kingsley, and escapes into the desert with her father, pursued by a relentless army.
In a dramatic transformation, Princess Hind evolves from fugitive to fearless warrior, uniting rival tribes for a pivotal showdown in the Battle of Dhi Qar, a moment that promises to reshape history.
The U.S. release comes in the wake of a $150 million production cost and follows multiple delays in post-production, during which Wyatt briefly departed from the project. Desert Warrior made its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival last autumn, with subsequent screenings at the Red Sea Film Festival in December.
This announcement arrives as Saudi Arabia seeks to bolster its position in the international film and television industry, amid rising tensions in the Middle East resulting from joint U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran. Although the film’s production faced challenges, the trailer showcases the breathtaking landscapes of Saudi Arabia and highlights the country’s cinematic ambitions.
The film is produced by MBC Studios, Jeremy Bolt, and Rasha AlEmam, with Vertical holding the U.S. and UK distribution rights.
