Egyptian superstar Karim Abdel Aziz continues to cement his legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern Arab cinema, known for striking a rare balance between commercial success and artistic depth. Following the phenomenal box office performance of Al Mashroa X, which drew huge audiences and critical acclaim, Abdel Aziz now returns with another ambitious project: The Seven Dogs, a high-octane thriller slated for release later this year.
In Al Mashroa X, Abdel Aziz delivers a layered and charismatic performance, blending suspense with emotional nuance — a testament to his growth as an actor and his talent for portraying complex characters. With The Seven Dogs, he ventures into a new cinematic territory, leading a big-budget action film that promises technical excellence and a fresh regional perspective on global genres.
As anticipation builds, Karim Abdel Aziz reflects on his latest work, his creative partnerships, and his vision for the future of Arab cinema.
What drew you to Al Mashroa X?
What really grabbed me was the story. It offers a fresh, thrilling take on ancient Egyptian civilisation. When director Peter Mimi first pitched the idea, I was immediately hooked — especially because it’s rooted in a fascinating scientific premise that drives the entire plot. It’s not just an action film; it has a proper narrative arc. And, of course, the team behind it and my trust in the director played a major role in my decision to sign on.
How does the film highlight Ancient Egyptian history?
It explores our ancient history through a lens of mystery and suspense. I don’t want to give too much away, but these historical elements are central to the story. I believe audiences will not only be entertained but also feel a renewed sense of pride in our heritage when they see it brought to life onscreen.
What was the filming experience like?
Honestly, it was one of the most challenging shoots I’ve ever done. We filmed for about nine months across Egypt, Italy, Turkey, and several other locations. Every detail came with its own set of difficulties. But the excitement we all felt for the project kept us going. Personally, the Vatican scenes and the pyramid sequences were the toughest — but we made it through, and I’m really proud of the result.
It’s said this is Egypt’s first film to use IMAX technology. How did that work out?
Yes — for the first time in Egyptian cinema, we incorporated IMAX filming technology. Some scenes were shot directly using IMAX cameras; in other cases, we used other high-resolution formats and converted them to IMAX. Either way, I think audiences are in for a visually stunning experience — it’s going to be a treat for both the eyes and the mind.
When did work on Al Mashroa X begin?
We started preparing for the film more than a year ago, with the late producer Hossam Shawky — may he rest in peace — and executive producer Fathy Ismail. Both of them were instrumental in getting the project off the ground. Sadly, they passed away before its completion, but their vision and dedication are deeply embedded in the final product.
Do you worry about box office performance?
Not at all. That’s in God’s hands. What matters to me is whether people connect with the film and leave the theatre having experienced something meaningful. Box office numbers are unpredictable — they go up and down like musical notes, and there’s no exact formula. Since my very first film, I’ve stopped chasing numbers. I focus on quality work that stands the test of time.
Tell us about your next film, The Seven Dogs.
The Seven Dogs is a truly international production. It uses cutting-edge techniques and is packed with surprises. We shot it at Al-Hosn Studios in Saudi Arabia. The cast includes Ahmed Ezz, Hana El Zahed, Nasser Al Qasabi, and some big international names in guest roles. It’s an action-thriller with a $40m budget, and I believe it will show audiences a bold new direction for Arab cinema.
Are you concerned about releasing two major films so close together?
Not in the slightest. I’m genuinely excited about both. Each film brings something unique to the table and adds a different dimension to my career. They’re very different experiences — different tones, different messages. What matters most is that we’re giving the audience something fresh and ambitious, and that’s what we’ve aimed for.
When is The Seven Dogs expected to premiere?
As of now, it’s scheduled for release this September — unless something changes at the last minute. I’m really hopeful that audiences will embrace it the same way they did Al Mashroa X.
What’s your view on celebrities doing brand endorsements — you’ve done a few yourself.
Honestly, it’s a global trend. Even the biggest Hollywood stars do ads. And I consider it a blessing — if the public doesn’t love you, no brand will come knocking. It’s as simple as that.
You’ve been away from television since your hit series El Ekhteyar. Why the long break?
TV is a whole different landscape. When you’re on television, you’re entering people’s homes — uninvited, in a sense — so the work has to be meaningful, fresh, and gripping, like El Ekhteyar was. With cinema, the audience comes to you by choice. But on TV, you can’t just offer filler content. If something truly unique and worthwhile comes my way, I’ll be back — no doubt about it.
