From Liwa Desert to Hollywood: The Emirati Stuntman Behind Dune: Part Three
The global success of the Dune franchise relies on more than just its A-list stars; it is the culmination of hundreds of dedicated crew members working behind the scenes. Among them is Mohammed F. Mostafa, an Emirati stunt performer who played a pivotal role during the film’s 31-day shoot in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert. Reflecting on the experience, Mostafa described receiving the career-defining call from stunt coordinator Nejmeddin Scorpion. Having already built an impressive resume with credits on Netflix productions and Apple TV+'s Hijack, Mostafa felt a profound sense of pride representing local talent on such a massive international stage.
Mostafa’s path to the big screen began in childhood, where he and his brother, director Ali Mustafa, spent their early years crafting imaginative home movies. Although he initially explored a career in football, the pull of the film industry proved impossible to resist. Today, he is not just performing but also working to build the local ecosystem; through his company, MFM Media, he aims to attract more global productions to the UAE. Beyond the professional milestone, Mostafa views his contribution to Dune: Part Three as an inspiration for the next generation, proving that world-class cinematic goals are entirely attainable right here in his own backyard. Working under the meticulous direction of Denis Villeneuve, Mostafa embraced the physical demands of the role, finding that even with his extensive experience, the project pushed him to new heights of adaptability and skill.