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Saudi Epic Desert Warrior Posts One of the Worst U.S. Openings

The Saudi-financed epic now depends on overseas ticket sales to limit losses.

Overview

  • The film earned $487,848 in North America from a little over 1,000 screens, averaging about $483 per theater.
  • With a reported $150 million budget, the release is being labeled a potential mega-flop unless foreign markets deliver far stronger results.
  • Backed by Saudi broadcaster MBC Group and shot in the kingdom, the production is positioned to lean on regional turnout more than U.S. interest.
  • Vertical Entertainment acquired U.S. rights in February and gave the movie a light marketing push that left awareness low.
  • Post-production stretched for years as director Rupert Wyatt left during editing over creative differences and later returned, and on-set sources say part of the budget built Neom filmmaking infrastructure, while reviews now sit at 27% on Rotten Tomatoes.