Vertical Picks Up Action Film ‘Desert Warrior’ Featuring Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, and Ben Kingsley
Vertical Acquires U.S. and U.K. Rights to Action Film ‘Desert Warrior’
Vertical has secured the U.S. and U.K. distribution rights for the action film Desert Warrior, which stars Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, and Ben Kingsley. The film, produced by MBC Studios, is slated for release this spring.
This announcement concludes a lengthy production journey for the $150 million epic, initially unveiled by Riyadh media powerhouse MBC in 2021. Directed by Rupert Wyatt, known for Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the project faced significant creative challenges that led to Wyatt both exiting and returning to the film. Despite earlier uncertainties about its viability, Desert Warrior premiered at the Zurich Film Festival last year.
Set in seventh-century Arabia, Desert Warrior follows Princess Hind, portrayed by Hart, as she defies the oppressive Emperor Kisra, played by Kingsley. In a bid for freedom, Hind escapes into the desert with her father, pursued by a relentless army. She must rely on a legendary bandit, played by Mackie, who harbors his own secrets. The narrative escalates as Hind evolves from a fugitive into a formidable warrior, rallying warring tribes for the pivotal Battle of Ze Qar, a confrontation that promises to reshape history.
The film’s cast also features Ghassan Massoud and Sharlto Copley. Wyatt co-wrote the screenplay alongside Erica Beeney and David Self.
Desert Warrior is produced by MBC Studios, Jeremy Bolt, and Saudi producer Rasha AIEmam, with executive production credits going to Pete Smith, Firas Dehni, Wyatt, Beeney, Eric Hedayat, Stuart Ford for AGC Studios, Dennis Berardi, and Andre Coutu. The acquisition deal was negotiated by Jarowey and Tony Piantedosi for Vertical, and Anant Tamirisa for AGC International, which oversees worldwide sales for the film.
