Vertical has unveiled the official trailer for Desert Warrior, a large-scale historical action adventure starring Anthony Mackie alongside Aiysha Hart and Sir Ben Kingsley.
Set in 7th-century Arabia during a time of shifting power and tribal conflict, the film follows Princess Hind, who defies the demands of the ruthless Emperor Kisra after he attempts to claim her as a concubine.
Forced to flee into the desert with her father, Hind becomes the target of a massive imperial force determined to capture her. Her survival depends on an unlikely partnership with a notorious bandit portrayed by Mackie, whose combat skills and knowledge of the harsh terrain prove crucial. As the chase intensifies, Hind evolves from fugitive to leader, seeking to unite rival tribes for a decisive confrontation at the historic Battle of Dhi Qar.
Directed by Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), the film aims for sweeping scale, blending battlefield action with political drama.
Anthony Mackie continues pushing toward full-fledged action stardom following high-profile roles in Twisted Metal, Captain America: Brave New World, and Elevation. With each project, he has taken on more physically demanding parts, positioning himself as a leading man capable of headlining big-budget action franchises and survival thrillers.
Shot on location in Saudi Arabia, it ranks among the largest productions ever mounted in the country, backed by MBC Studios with a reported $150 million budget. The project endured an extended post-production period amid reported creative disagreements over tone and pacing.
Desert Warrior is scheduled to open in U.S. theaters on April 24 through Vertical.
