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Saudi-backed Desert Warrior flops US debut, earns $0.5M

5/2/2026

30 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Desert Warrior opened in the United States with about $487,848 (some reports $472,111) on 1,000 screens, averaging $467-$483 per screen.
The $150 million film, financed by Saudi-linked MBC Group, faced infrastructure delays, a sandstorm, and director Rupert Wyatt’s departure and return amid creative disputes.
Minimal promotion and absent star-driven marketing caused weak audience interest and a major box-office flop.

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Story summary

Desert Warrior opened in the United States with about $487,848 (some reports $472,111) on 1,000 screens, averaging $467-$483 per screen.
The $150 million film, financed by Saudi-linked MBC Group, faced infrastructure delays, a sandstorm, and director Rupert Wyatt’s departure and return amid creative disputes.
Minimal promotion and absent star-driven marketing caused weak audience interest and a major box-office flop.