"Con Air" director Simon West is set to begin work on a new project in the genre of "Troy" and "Gladiator," filmed in Saudi Arabia, in the Neom region, where a $500 billion mega-city is being planned

Director Simon West, known for his work on "Con Air," "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" and "The Expendables 2," has begun work on his new film project. It is the epic drama "Antara," which will tell the story of Antara ibn Shaddad, a 6th century slave who won his freedom and became a knight, as well as one of the most famous poets in ancient Arabia.

Here's What We Know

"Antara" is a film based on true events that will tell the story of Antara ibn Shaddad, a 6th century slave who was able to win his freedom and become a knight as well as one of the most famous poets in ancient Arabia.

The film will be shot in the Neom region of northwestern Saudi Arabia and will be co-produced by writer and producer Alexander Amartei. Also involved in the film's production is Celtic Arabia's Stuart Sutherland, known for his work on "Killing Eve," "Born A King" and "The Man Who Fell To Earth." He was also recently involved in the production of the film "Kandahar" with Gerard Butler in the region.

Filming in Neom, where a $500 billion megacity is planned, is scheduled to take place over 12 weeks and will begin in early 2024. Filming will be based at Bajdah Studios and the project will benefit from a 40 per cent cost recovery programme.

Bringing the story of Antara ibn Shaddad to the big screen and the masses is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to continue his legend" - said West. "The life of Antara is one of those relatively little-known true stories that prove that fact can be so much stranger than fiction. The opportunity to film in the homeland of the Banu Abs tribe means we will keep true to the piece whilst helping to grow the emerging film industry in the region. It’s a project I’m thrilled to be involved with, and I am looking forward to creating something unique for a global audience.

We are excited to work with Neom to bring the first great swords-and-sandals epic since Troy and Gladiator to the world" " said Amartey. "As Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon marked a complete paradigm shift for Chinese cinema, we see Antara as a cultural extravaganza that will be a complete game changer in the region and dazzle the world in a lavishly artistic and sophisticated way.

Following the film "Kandahar" starring Gerard Butler released earlier this year and the upcoming film "Desert Warrior," the news of "Antara" becomes another sign that Hollywood productions are gradually shifting towards Saudi Arabia, which is actively investing in developing itself as an important filming location.

When We Can Expect It

As of now, no dates have been announced for the start of filming or release of the film.

Source: THR