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Saudi-Backed “Desert Warrior” Posts Worst 2026 Opening

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Desert Warrior opened in 1,010 U.S. theaters, earning $472,111 ($467 per theater), the worst wide-release opening of 2026.
The $150 million film was funded by Saudi-backed MBC Group, majority-owned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Production crews faced an unfinished backlot, sandstorms and infrastructure gaps, while creative differences sidelined director Rupert Wyatt until 2025.
The film earned a 25 % Rotten Tomatoes score, a 2.1/10 IMDb rating, and, without cast promotion, flopped.

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Story summary

Desert Warrior opened in 1,010 U.S. theaters, earning $472,111 ($467 per theater), the worst wide-release opening of 2026.
The $150 million film was funded by Saudi-backed MBC Group, majority-owned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Production crews faced an unfinished backlot, sandstorms and infrastructure gaps, while creative differences sidelined director Rupert Wyatt until 2025.
The film earned a 25 % Rotten Tomatoes score, a 2.1/10 IMDb rating, and, without cast promotion, flopped.