Mohamed Karim isn’t just an actor. He’s an entire genre—equal parts action hero, soulful intellectual, and global citizen with a Hollywood dream that’s been years in the making. And now, it’s finally unfolding on the biggest stage.
On April 11, 2025, Karim takes the screen alongside Nicolas Cage, Heather Graham, and Stephen Dorff in Gunslingers—a gritty, high-octane Lionsgate western that asks if redemption is ever really possible. In a film that pits philosophical depth against dusty back-alley vengeance, Karim holds his own among legends, delivering a performance that is as intense as it is introspective. He plays a pivotal role in the story’s moral reckoning—a spiritual guide in a world where violence is currency.
And it’s not a one-off. Gunslingers is just the latest in a rising storm of international acclaim. After wrapping the indie film Storm, Karim has already signed on for the American feature Desert Crossing and a trifecta of British projects—Tarot, Blooded, and One Love. His versatility? Unmatched. His range? Expanding. His work ethic? Ruthless.
But here’s the real headline: Mohamed Karim’s life story reads like a movie script he hasn’t made yet.
At just 16, Karim left his family in Egypt with a suitcase full of ambition and almost no English. He landed in LA, found the nearest high school to LAX, and—using the only phrase he knew—asked the principal, “Me attend school here?” That moment? Pure cinema. But for Karim, it was just Chapter One.
Since then, he’s earned a master’s in Physical Medicine, acted across continents, and become a certified heartthrob, landing GQ Middle East’s Man of the Year in 2022. Add to that: hosting The Voice Arabia, winning Best Actor awards from Monaco to San Francisco, and starring in both A Score to Settle with Cage and Bruce Willis’s final film A Day to Die.
Karim’s big-screen presence is magnetic. But his off-screen story might be even more compelling. Trained as a doctor. Raised on two continents. Fluent in Arabic and English. A model, martial artist, and festival circuit veteran who’s toured Tribeca, Diaspora, and Alexandria Mediterranean Film Festival. He’s the kind of multi-hyphenate Hollywood hasn’t seen before—but needs now.
When he’s not filming or attending premieres, Karim’s passion is building bridges—between cultures, between industries, and between dreams and the people chasing them. This year, he’ll close out the Arab Film Festival in Los Angeles with a live fireside chat alongside director Brian Skiba, offering insights on breaking into Hollywood as a Middle Eastern actor with an uncompromising vision.
“The world is wide enough,” Karim seems to say through every role he takes, “if you’re willing to walk across it.”
He’s not slowing down anytime soon. He’s running toward the future—and bringing his whole story with him.
Mohamed, you have such an interesting and diverse background—growing up in Cairo and Los Angeles and excelling in both the medical and entertainment industries. Can you tell us about the moment you decided to pursue filmmaking over medicine?
It was a hard decision—I kind of let it happen spontaneously. My overall passion and love was acting. The acting took over as more roles came, and I became more and more recognizable until I realized it had taken over all my time.
You’ve achieved incredible success in both the film and medical fields. How do you balance your passions for acting, producing, and medicine? Are there any overlaps between them that you’ve found surprising?
When there’s an emergency the doctor in me can come out!
You’ve worked on films across different countries and continents, including Egypt, the United States, and the UK. How have these diverse cultural experiences shaped the roles you choose or the way you approach acting?
It’s given me the opportunity to explore these different places—their culture, food, people, and business.
In your career, you’ve earned numerous accolades, including Best Actor awards at several prestigious festivals. What do these awards mean to you, and how do they impact your career moving forward?
A LOT! It’s rewarding. After being in the industry for this long, getting awards tells me I’m heading in the right direction!
As a producer and actor, you’ve worked with big names like Nicolas Cage, Heather Graham, and Bruce Willis. What’s one piece of advice or lesson you’ve learned from working with such high-profile talent?
Bruce Willis—he shifted his attitude super quickly from laughing to serious gun scenes. I learned that from him.
You started your journey in the entertainment industry at a young age and even attended a high school in Los Angeles without knowing the language. What was that experience like, and how did it shape your resilience and determination?
It shaped me into who I am today and toughened me up. I have thick skin now. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, and it took a lot of tears, hard work, and persistence, but it made me the man I am now. When I get the chance to do something great, I grab it in the right way.
Your lead role in the TV series Bent Afandina was a breakthrough moment in your career. How did it feel to be part of such an iconic series that explores Egypt’s history, and what did you learn from that role?
It meant a lot to me because that was a big lead role back then—it was something new in Egypt at the time. It was like daily film skill—learning a lot of things in a very short time. It put me on the map and created a big buzz! The tough, romantic, serious character was fun to portray, and I loved it!
You have a strong presence in both the entertainment world and in fitness with your background in physical medicine. How has maintaining a healthy lifestyle influenced your performance on screen, especially in action-packed roles?
Being a doctor and attending medical school helped me in my career as an actor. It taught me patience and the importance of eating healthy and staying active. I’m also an entrepreneur and businessman and have many friends who are high up. I’ve learned a lot from them, and they’ve given me “the Harvard student in the streets of hustling”. I created my own Harvard—I have a business mindset, and I’ve learned through my friends and experiences.
From acting to hosting The Voice Arabia, you’ve worn many hats. How do you approach preparing for a completely different type of role, such as being a TV host compared to an actor?
It was tough! I actually watched old The Voice episodes from all over the world to train myself. I met with the best host prep teachers. At the end of the day, if you have the talent, you will succeed. It was so joyful to be part of this hosting gig! It hyped me up and receiving love from all over the world was so cool.
Lastly, with all the international recognition and work you’ve done, what’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or personal goals you’re particularly excited about in the near future?
I want to make a movie that can officially participate in the TIFF, Cannes, or Venice Film Festivals. I have a project I’m very excited about that was just announced! See more HERE.
