Saudi Arabia's New Production Studio, PlayMaker Studios, Begins Filming High-End Epic 'Unbroken Sword' Directed by Alik Sakharov

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a cutting-edge film studio near Riyadh, with pre-production underway on a major historical epic titled Unbroken Sword, directed by Alik Sakharov, known for his work on The Sopranos and Game of Thrones.

The new facilities are part of the Qiddiya entertainment city, located on the slopes of the Tuwaiq Mountains, about 40 minutes southwest of Riyadh. Qiddiya will feature luxury theme parks, motorsport venues, and a safari park, aiming to attract millions of visitors.

PlayMaker Studios spans over 50 acres and includes two advanced soundstages, fully equipped with high-end audio and production systems. The studio offers production offices, post-production and visual effects suites, and music studios, providing a complete environment for large-scale film projects. Producers can also benefit from Saudi Arabias 40% production rebate.

Principal photography for Unbroken Sword is set to start in early 2026, marking the first film shot at PlayMaker Studios. A crew of more than 200 is already on-site. The film is produced by Sela and backed by Saudis General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and Riyadh Season.

The story of Unbroken Sword is set in 7th-century Arabia, following a legendary warrior leading an outnumbered Muslim army across desert terrain against Roman and Persian forces. British producer Richard Sharkey, known for House of the Dragon and The Lord of the Rings projects, is serving as executive producer.

Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, described PlayMaker Studios as a cornerstone of Qiddiya Citys ambition and a milestone in Saudi Arabias creative industry growth. Sharkey commented that producing Unbroken Sword at PlayMaker Studios represents the beginning of something groundbreaking.

Qiddiya is part of Saudi Arabias giga projects, funded by the Public Investment Fund under Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the economy and creating jobs for young Saudis.

Author: Connor Blake