Historical action feature 'Unbroken Sword' (working title), directed by Alik Sakharov, is now in pre-production at the studios.
PlayMaker Studios, a major new addition to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly advancing film sector, has officially opened its doors at Qiddiya City. The launch represents a major step forward for the Kingdom’s expanding film sector, further underscored by news that the historical action film Unbroken Sword (working title) has begun pre-production at the new facility. The film is directed by Alik Sakharov, known for his work on Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Ozark and Marco Polo, and is backed by the General Entertainment Authority and Riyadh Season, with production by Sela.
Principal photography for Unbroken Sword is expected to begin in early 2026. With more than 200 crew members already on site, the team is preparing to utilise PlayMaker’s advanced soundstages along with the dramatic landscapes of the Tuwaiq Mountains, positioning Qiddiya City as an emerging global filmmaking destination.
Spread across 50 acres, PlayMaker Studios features expansive backlots, two purpose-built soundstages, flexible workshops and full-service production facilities designed for large-scale international projects. The complex also includes modern production offices and premium on-site amenities, providing a seamless environment across all stages of production. Responding to high demand for studio space, construction has begun on two additional high-tech soundstages slated for completion in 2026, which will increase capacity for multiple simultaneous productions.
Qiddiya Investment Company has established an experienced on-ground team to support filmmakers with permits, logistics and operations. PlayMaker Studios also grants streamlined access to Saudi Arabia’s generous 40% production rebate, one of the most competitive incentives available globally.
Future phases of PlayMaker’s development will introduce specialised facilities for post-production, visual effects, volumetric capture and music production, further enhancing the Kingdom’s creative infrastructure. The complex is designed to serve not only as a production powerhouse but also as a central pillar of Qiddiya City’s broader entertainment ecosystem.
Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, said: “PlayMaker Studios is a cornerstone of Qiddiya City’s ambition and builds on Saudi Arabia’s growing success in the creative industries. It marks an important step in strengthening this momentum and realising our vision to create a world class destination where innovation, culture and entertainment come together, and where the global film industry can find a new home in the Kingdom.”
Richard Sharkey, Producer of Unbroken Sword and a veteran filmmaker known for his work on House of the Dragon, Marco Polo, The Fifth Estate and The Lord of the Rings franchise, added: “Bringing Unbroken Sword to PlayMaker Studios feels like the start of something genuinely groundbreaking. Being the first production to use the facility is both a privilege and a responsibility we take seriously. The scale, support, and ambition at Qiddiya City are unmatched, and the Tuwaiq Mountains offer an epic canvas we simply couldn’t find anywhere else. We’re thrilled to be part of this new chapter for filmmaking in Saudi Arabia.”
As part of Qiddiya Investment Company’s creative ecosystem, PlayMaker Studios sits at the heart of Qiddiya City – a world-first destination where culture, sport and creativity converge. Just 40 minutes from Riyadh, the studio offers streamlined logistics, premium accommodation options for cast and crew, and direct access to a dynamic entertainment environment designed to inspire storytelling on an epic scale.
