Gerard Butler’s Kandahar has climbed to #2 on Netflix US, and it’s more than just another high-octane action flick. Directed by Ric Roman Waugh, the movie made history as the first major Hollywood action production to shoot in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla. With its epic desert landscapes and game-changing production support, Kandahar put AlUla on the map as a global filming hotspot.
What’s Kandahar About?
The film follows Tom Harris (Butler), a CIA operative whose covert mission in the Middle East gets blown. Suddenly exposed, he must fight his way out of hostile territory with his Afghan translator by his side. It’s action-packed, tense, and grounded in raw emotion—more than just your standard shootout thriller.
Why AlUla?
AlUla was chosen for its jaw-dropping backdrops—sandstone canyons, sweeping deserts, and ancient ruins that date back to 5000 BCE. These dramatic visuals doubled as Afghanistan’s rugged terrain, giving the movie an authentic edge no studio set could pull off.
Shooting in Saudi Arabia
Kandahar wasn’t just about the scenery. It was also about opportunity. Saudi Arabia only lifted its cinema ban in 2018, and this production proved the Kingdom is serious about becoming a film hub. With cash-back incentives, local crew support, and logistical help from Film AlUla and the Saudi Film Commission, the project set the stage for even bigger productions to follow.
Beyond AlUla
While most of the movie was shot in AlUla, some city scenes were filmed in Jeddah, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s urban energy alongside its vast desert. This mix added both grit and scale to the film’s look.
Other Big Productions in AlUla
Kandahar isn’t the only global title to take advantage of AlUla’s cinematic potential. Tom Holland’s Cherry was filmed there, and also Norah, which made history as the first Saudi film ever screened at Cannes. These projects further cement the region’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for filmmakers.
Final Scene
Kandahar is more than a Gerard Butler action hit—it’s a milestone for Saudi Arabia’s film industry. By blending cinematic spectacle with authentic landscapes, it set AlUla on a new trajectory as one of the world’s most exciting filming locations. With its success now streaming into millions of homes, the story of AlUla is only just beginning.
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