Saudi Arabia’s Controversial ‘Desert Warrior’ Movie Sparks Historical Debate

Saudi Arabia is set to release a blockbuster movie, ‘Desert Warrior’, which promises to reshape historical narratives about Iran. The film, boasting a $150 million budget and featuring Hollywood stars like Anthony Mackie and Ben Kingsley, tells the story of a rebellious Arab who fights against the Persian king, Khosrow II, during the Sassanid era. This historical drama, filmed in the Neom desert, depicts a clash between Arabian and Persian cultures, with the former portrayed as noble and valiant, while the latter is painted as oppressive and superstitious. The film has already sparked controversy as it challenges conventional interpretations of ancient history, prompting debate over the accuracy and neutrality of its portrayal of Iran’s past. ‘Desert Warrior’ is expected to attract a global audience and its release will undoubtedly be closely watched for its portrayal of this historical conflict.