Casablanca – American actor Giancarlo Esposito has reportedly embraced Islam during his stay in Saudi Arabia.
A video shared by Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, shows Esposito praying in a mosque alongside members of the production team for the film “Seven Dogs.”
According to Al-Sheikh, Esposito’s interactions with Muslims during his time in Saudi Arabia, as well as his experience working within the production environment, were among the elements that shaped his appreciation of Islam.
He also added that the actor recited the Shahada and joined the crew in prayer, marking a moment shared with members of the production team.
However, while Al-Sheikh stated that the footage was recorded in Saudi Arabia, several social media users and online reports have suggested that the video may in fact have been filmed in Morocco, specifically at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. The exact location of the prayer has not been independently confirmed.
In an interview shared online, Esposito reflected on his experience in Morocco and the spiritual impression it left on him. “It deepens me to come to a country where people have devotion, for me devotion is everything, to understand that there is one God, one Allah,” he said.
He also described Morocco as a “mirror” that reflects something already within him. “In your country, Muhammad is everything. For me, it’s the same. I feel the same way in a country that has a devotion to goodness, grace, and God energy,” he explained.
The announcement comes shortly after Esposito’s appearance in Casablanca for the premiere of “Seven Dogs” at Pathé Californie cinema, where he attended alongside Monica Bellucci and directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah.
Esposito has built a globally recognized career across film and television, becoming widely known for portraying complex, authoritative characters. He has also worked across a wide range of international productions, expanding his presence beyond Hollywood projects.
His performances in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” remain among his most defining roles, earning him critical acclaim and a strong international fan base.
