A grand ambition, a sweeping desert epic, and a $150 million budget – yet “Desert Warrior” has stumbled into the unforgiving landscape of box office failure. Starring Anthony Mackie and Sir Ben Kingsley, the film arrived in over a thousand US cinemas last Friday, only to collect a meager $472,000.
The film’s story unfolds in seventh-century Arabia, a tale of a princess, Hind (Aiysha Hart), forging an alliance with a notorious bandit, played by Mackie, to defy a ruthless emperor’s desires. Their struggle culminates in a massive battle, a spectacle some have likened to the iconic clashes of “The Lord of the Rings.”
“Desert Warrior” wasn’t just a movie; it was intended to be a showcase. It represents the most expensive film ever produced in Saudi Arabia, utilizing the nation’s burgeoning film infrastructure. The production, spanning from September 2021 to February 2022, aimed to put Saudi Arabia on the map as a filmmaking destination.
However, the initial results are devastating. The per-theater average of just $483 is shockingly low, even eclipsing the dismal numbers of notorious flops like “Jem and the Holograms” and “Rock the Kasbah.” These films previously held the unfortunate distinction of being among the lowest-grossing wide releases of all time.
The film’s troubled journey extends beyond the box office. Director Rupert Wyatt initially departed the project due to creative differences, seeking a more nuanced approach to the story. He was later brought back, but the production appeared to launch with minimal publicity and little critical buzz.
Critics have been unforgiving. With a paltry 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reviews describe the film as falling far short of its “Lawrence of Arabia” aspirations. One critic called it “a bland and vapid action adventure,” while another predicted it would “be swept away as quickly as desert sands.”
Despite the harsh critical reception, a small segment of the audience has offered a glimmer of hope. Some viewers praised the action sequences and the novelty of the setting, calling it a “sleeper hit.” One fan even wished for “more elephant battling.”
The film’s fate remains uncertain. While its US opening is a clear disaster, international releases, particularly in its production home of Saudi Arabia, could potentially salvage its financial performance. For now, “Desert Warrior” stands as a cautionary tale of ambition, budget, and the fickle nature of the box office.
