Ali Sakharov, the acclaimed director of Game of Thrones, is set to direct a historical biopic on the legendary Arab Muslim warrior Khalid bin Walid.
The English-language film, titled Unbroken Sword, will showcase Khalid bin Walid’s military exploits in the 7th century, including his confrontations with the Roman and Persian empires and is produced with British producer Richard Sharkey, known for House of the Dragon.
The movie will be filmed at the newly inaugurated Plamekare Studios in Kiddiya, west of Riyadh, spanning over 50 acres.
The studio, supported by Kiddiya Investment Company, aims to position Saudi Arabia as a hub for both local and international filmmaking.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with over 200 staff currently engaged in pre-production work.
Saudi Arabia is offering a 40% production rebate to attract global projects. The studio, which currently has two sound stages and a large backlot, plans to add two more sound stages by 2026, along with post-production, VFX and music facilities.
This ambitious project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision to produce 100 films and establish the Middle East as a global centre for cinematic production.
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