‘Game of Thrones’ director to helm epic Khalid ibn Walid biopic
In one of the most ambitious film projects ever to emerge from the Arab world, Alik Sakharov – the acclaimed director behind Game of Thrones, Rome, The Sopranos and Marco Polo – is set to bring the life of Islamic military legend Khalid ibn Al-Walid to global cinemas.
The epic biographical film, titled The Unbroken Sword, will chronicle the extraordinary rise of the man known as Saifullah (The Sword of God), including his decisive leadership at the Battle of Yarmouk, one of the most consequential battles in world history.
The announcement was confirmed by Turki Al Sheikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), during his visit to Qiddiya and Al-Hosn Studios, where the mega-production is already taking shape.
A Hollywood heavyweight captivated by an Islamic hero
According to Al Sheikh, Sakharov knew little about Khalid ibn Al-Walid when they first met 18 months ago. But that changed almost instantly.
After reading the historical materials handed to him, Sakharov called Al Sheikh just three days later, confessing he had been unable to sleep and was “obsessed” with telling the warrior’s story.
Since then, the Emmy-winning director has relocated from New York and has spent six straight months living on the production site, immersing himself fully in the project.
Saudi Arabia’s biggest film ever
The Unbroken Sword is being hailed as Saudi Arabia’s largest and most technically advanced film in history, with a global theatrical release planned for 2027.
The scale is staggering:
Over 1,000 custom swords have already been forged
More than 3,000 trees planted to recreate authentic landscapes
A crew of hundreds combining top-tier international talent with a fast-growing Saudi film workforce
Massive sets built across the desert, including state-of-the-art soundstages at Qiddiya City
The film is the flagship title of the Big Time Fund, which supports 27 major Saudi, regional, and international productions.
A story “that belongs to every Muslim”
Turki Al Sheikh described the biopic as a cultural milestone: “This work does not represent GEA or Riyadh Season. It represents every Saudi man and woman – and everyone who loves this great hero.”
He credited the Kingdom’s leadership for enabling such a monumental project and said the film is a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding creative industries.
Who was Khalid ibn Al-Walid?
Khalid ibn Al-Walid (d. 642 CE) is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. Renowned for his strategic brilliance and an undefeated record, his victory at Yarmouk helped reshape the geopolitics of the region.
Despite his legendary status, his story has never been portrayed at this scale for global audiences.
A world-class team behind the camera
The film is produced by Richard Sharkey (House of the Dragon, Marco Polo, The Lord of the Rings franchise), who called the project “groundbreaking”: “The scale and ambition at Qiddiya City are unmatched. Being the first production at PlayMaker Studios is an incredible honour.”
The Unbroken Sword promises to be a cinematic milestone – merging Hollywood’s storytelling power with one of the most iconic figures in Islamic history, in what could become one of the defining epics of the decade.