Word soon spread of Wyatts spectacular footage and stirring turns from Mackie andAiysha Hart, the movies heroine.
Those tasked with shepherdingDesert Warrioracknowledge that sand has gummed up the movies gears.
Reps for Mackie, Hart, and Kinglsey declined to comment on the fortunes ofDesert Warrior.
Ben Kingsley, Aiysha Hart, Anthony Mackie
Desert Warriorwas the biggest project ever mounted by MBC Studios, theMBC Groupproduction arm then run by Peter Smith.
The film was very challenging to make, the hardest of my career, he tells Deadline.
We were shooting a battle-orientated period epic in beautiful but harsh desert locations.
There was nothing there: no infrastructure, no crew, and no equipment.
We had to bring everything in and often from other countries.
The effort from the director, cast, and crew was herculean.
Wyatts command of the grueling 2021 shoot was praised by his crew.
Producers even constructed a soundstage using a giant tent to film interior scenes.
Wyatt declined to comment.
MBC says it holds great pride and enthusiasm forDesert Warriorand the movie will soon be ready for release.
In February 2023, MBC installed former Amazon Studios executiveChristina Wayneas managing director of its production unit.
Wayne and Milchan declined to comment.
Disagreements about the films tone were also said to be part of conversations at this time.
All sides assert that they only had the movies best interests at heart.
Reflecting on this period, producer Bolt says Wyatts initial 155-minute cut was long but very cinematic.
In July 2023, an unfinished version ofDesert Warriorunderwent audience testing in Las Vegas.
Those briefed on the research say thatDesert Warrioronly held the interest of 25% of those surveyed.
MBC insiders downplay the testing as being a routine tool to address pacing and clarity.
The films historical accuracy was discussed among MBC executives, while culture clashes were evident at times.
The Arabs were not psyched about that, says a source.
MBCs position is that Hind does not have a love interest in the story.
Wyatt has distanced himself from the audience testing.
Either way, the testing prompted MBC to engageBlack Panther: Wakanda Forevereditor Kelley Dixon to re-cutDesert Warrior.
There was a feeling among senior MBC executives that Dixons version was stronger than the directors cut.
There has been other political noise aroundDesert Warrior.
The attack bemused MBC executives, who say the film has no agenda.
He only stepped back into the edit suite this month after wrapping a separate project.
MBCs Movie Making Rulebook
The circumstances of Wyatts return are disputed.
Allies of the director argue that the re-cut was the reason the film failed to sell.
It is not the only project on MBCs books that has found itself in limbo amid a creative rethink.
One source adds thatDesert Warriorsbox office return will not be the only measure of its success.
2025: Desert Warriors Year?
We have high confidence thatDesert Warriorwill exceed expectations and offer a viewing experience unlike any other.
