Alfred Molina is heading for Persia, specifically Disney's "Prince of Persia" franchise pic.

Mike Newell is directing the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced adaptation of the classic Ubisoft fantasy-adventure game.

The film's plot revolves around Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal), a sixth-century Persian prince who aims to keep the mystical Sands of Time out of the hands of an evil nobleman. Gemma Arterton will play the Prince's lady-love, while Ben Kingsley has also signed on.

According to Variety, Molina will play Sheik Amar, the prince's mentor.

Doug Miro and Carlo Bernard and Boaz Yakin wrote the script, along with Jordan Melcher, who created the game, which first premiered in 1989 and has spawned myriad sequels and spinoffs.

The trade says shooting will begin next month in the United Kingdom and Morocco.

Molina will have to fit "Prince of Persia" into a busy schedule that also includes a lead role in the FOX legal dramedy pilot "Courtroom K," from producer Paul Attanasio ("House"). The "Hoax" and "Frida" star has "Pink Panther 2" set for release in the spring.