‘Game of Thrones’ Director to Lead Saudi Epic on Khalid ibn Al-Walid
News Summary
Acclaimed Game of Thrones director Alik Sakharov will helm The Unbroken Sword, Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious cinematic project, bringing the epic story of Khalid ibn Al-Walid to global audiences.
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His Excellency Turki Al Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced that acclaimed director Alik Sakharov, known for his work on Game of Thrones, Rome, The Sopranos, and Marco Polo, will direct The Unbroken Sword, an English-language historical film based on the life of the legendary Arab commander Khalid ibn Al-Walid and the pivotal Battle of Yarmouk.
The announcement came during HE Al Sheikh’s visit to Qiddiya Studios and Al-Hosn Studios, where production is actively underway. The film represents Saudi Arabia’s largest and most technically ambitious production to date, with a global theatrical release planned for 2027.
A Director Moved by the Story
HE Al Sheikh described how Sakharov joined the project. When they first met 18 months ago, Sakharov, despite his distinguished career, was not familiar with the legacy of Khalid ibn Al-Walid. After reviewing the historical materials provided by Al Sheikh, Sakharov contacted him three days later, saying he had been unable to sleep due to his fascination with the story and his desire to bring it to the screen.
Demonstrating his dedication, Sakharov has relocated from New York and has lived full time at the production site for the past six months.
Production of Unprecedented Scale
The project showcases an exceptional scale of craftsmanship and world-building. More than 1,000 swords have been manufactured specifically for the film, and over 3,000 trees have been planted to create authentic environments. The production brings together world-class international experts and a specialized Saudi team, forming a long-term model for knowledge transfer and industry development within the Kingdom.
The Unbroken Sword is the flagship film of the Big Time Fund, an initiative that includes 27 Saudi, Arab, and international productions. Filming is taking place at Al-Hosn Big Time Studios, a state-of-the-art complex covering 300,000 square metres with seven purpose-built studio buildings completed in 120 days. This positions Riyadh as a growing global hub for large-scale film production.
A Story of National Importance
HE Turki Al Sheikh emphasized the cultural significance of the film. He stated that the project does not represent GEA, Riyadh Season, or any single entity. Instead, it represents every Saudi man and woman and everyone who admires this historic figure. He stressed the responsibility to tell the story with the respect it deserves.
He added that such an ambitious production is possible only through the unprecedented support of Saudi Arabia’s leadership and the Kingdom’s transformative cultural vision under Saudi Vision 2030.
About Khalid ibn Al-Walid
Khalid ibn Al-Walid, known as Sayf Allah or the Sword of God, is regarded as one of history’s greatest military commanders. Undefeated in battle, his strategies at the Battle of Yarmouk in 636 CE helped shape the course of world history. His life has never been depicted at this scale for global audiences.
About Alik Sakharov
Alik Sakharov is an Emmy Award winning director and cinematographer whose work has shaped the visual identity of modern prestige television. His credits include
Game of Thrones (director and cinematographer, 8 episodes)
The Sopranos (38 episodes)
Rome (Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography)
Ozark (Emmy nomination for Outstanding Directing)
House of Cards, Marco Polo, and more
About the General Entertainment Authority (GEA)
The GEA is the government body responsible for developing and regulating Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector. Under the leadership of HE Turki Al Sheikh, it has created major events, cultural initiatives, and production infrastructure aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
About Al-Hosn Big Time Studios
Located west of Riyadh, Al-Hosn Big Time Studios is the largest film and television production facility in the Middle East. The complex covers 300,000 square metres and includes seven studio buildings with 10,500 square metres of production space, along with specialized workshops for props, costumes, and post-production.
