“Desert Warrior, an action-packed thriller set in the 7th century, is set to have its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival on September 28, 2025. The film, shot in Saudi Arabia, boasts an all-star cast led by Anthony Mackie and Aiysha Hart, with notable appearances by Sharlto Copley, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Ghassan Massoud.
Produced by MBC Studios, in partnership with JB Pictures and AGC Studios, Desert Warrior is directed by Rupert Wyatt, famous for Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The story, set in a land divided by warring tribes, follows Princess Hind (Hart), who escapes from the Sassanid Empire with her father, King Numan (Massoud), pursued by mercenaries led by Jalabzeen (Copley).
They must rely on a mysterious bandit, played by Mackie, to escape capture and ultimately rally the fractured tribes against the Sassanid Empire.
Filmed in Neom and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia in 2021, the movie showcases the stunning desert landscapes of the Kingdom. MBC Studios has expressed great pride in the film, highlighting the hard work and passion poured into this ambitious project.The movie will also join other Saudi-shot films, like 7 Dogs, a $40 million action thriller shot in Riyadh.
