Haifa Wehbe is making a comeback to Egyptian cinema after several years of absence, co-starring in a new project with actor Mostafa Shaaban. This comes despite a decision by the Musicians Syndicate to suspend her and ban her from performing in Egypt, following accusations of insulting the Egyptian people and a formal complaint filed by her former manager. However, it appears this ruling hasn’t hindered her artistic journey, as she is currently preparing to shoot a new film expected to create a stir in the entertainment industry.
This marks the first time Haifa Wehbe and Mostafa Shaaban collaborate on a film, sparking excitement among fans given their popularity and distinctive styles. According to sources close to the production, the film will feature many surprises in its plot and storyline, blending suspense, drama, and romance, with fresh elements that set it apart from conventional films.
Mostafa Shaaban, known for his complex and diverse roles in Egyptian drama, also returns to the big screen with this film, his first since El Watar (The String), which co-starred Ghada Adel, Ahmed El-Saadany, Arwa Gouda, and was directed by Magdy El Hawary. In that film, he portrayed Police Officer Mohamed Selim, who investigates the murder of a young music producer in a suspenseful drama with intricate twists.
For her part, Haifa Wehbe continues to pursue her cinematic career despite obstacles. She is also awaiting the release of her upcoming film Wlad El Mahzouzah (Children of the Lucky One), featuring a cast that includes Mahmoud El Lithy, Nancy Salah, Tony Maher, Sami Maghawry, Mohamed El Kilany, and Kareem Afifi, with guest star Rasha Mahdy. Written by Haitham Said and directed by Morcos Adel, the film follows a light romantic tone, with Haifa playing a Lebanese woman who moves to Egypt and faces various exciting and emotional challenges that reveal different facets of her character.
Critics see Haifa’s return to film as a bold move, especially after the media frenzy surrounding her performance ban. This could give the film added momentum in terms of promotion and audience engagement. Pairing her with Mostafa Shaaban also seems like an effort to create a unique combination of star power and dramatic range.
Haifa’s last film was Ramses Paris, released in 2023, featuring an ensemble cast including Mohamed Sallam, Mohamed Tharwat, Hamdy El Marghany, Mahmoud Hafez, Samira Maqroun, Mostafa Khater, Aws Aws, Joumana Mourad, Mostafa El Banna, Ahmed Keshk, and Sami Maghawry. Written by Karim Hassan Beshir and directed by Ahmed Khaled Mousa, the comedy-fantasy revolved around a group of young people who unexpectedly find themselves in a wild adventure in the heart of Paris.
Beyond acting, Haifa has become increasingly involved in the production and meticulous selection of her projects, aiming to maintain her status in the entertainment world despite the storms she faces. While her fans eagerly follow her artistic and musical news, her return to Egyptian cinema specifically has stirred wide debate due to the professional, personal, and social challenges it entails.
Haifa Wehbe has a solid cinematic background, having previously starred in commercially successful films like Dokkan Shehata and Halawet Rouh. She made a notable mark with her ability to play various roles—dramatic, comedic, and even action—balancing charisma and professionalism.
As for Mostafa Shaaban, he has enjoyed a long and successful career in Ramadan TV dramas, with hit series addressing social and human issues in Egyptian society, including Ayoub, Abou Gabal, and Dayman Amer. His fans welcomed news of his return to cinema, expressing excitement over this new experience with a star of Haifa’s caliber.
With filming about to begin, the production team remains tight-lipped about the full plot, revealing only the main cast and general themes. Some scenes are expected to be shot in notable outdoor locations across Egypt and possibly abroad, depending on the storyline.
The film aims to be a commercially appealing cinematic work, especially amid fierce competition from several other movies expected during the upcoming Eid or summer season. With efforts to introduce high-quality visual and technical elements, expectations are high for the film’s artistic and production value, particularly with two of the Arab world’s most prominent stars on board.
The official trailer is expected to be released after principal filming wraps, to stir anticipation among viewers. Fans of Haifa Wehbe and Mostafa Shaaban have already begun speculating about the roles they’ll portray and whether this collaboration will mark a significant turning point in their careers.
Despite the professional challenges she faces, Haifa seems determined to come back strong, viewing cinema as a platform that could reshape her image with the public—especially in today’s social media age, where online engagement can either elevate or undermine an artist’s reputation.
