Celebrity Info
Saïd Taghmaoui has built a compelling and diverse career in film and television, often portraying complex characters caught in intense political or military conflicts. One of Saïd Taghmaoui’s most recognizable roles came in the action-packed G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, inspired by the beloved G.I. Joe franchise spanning toys, comics, and animated series. In this high-octane film, Saïd Taghmaoui brings to life Abel Shaz, better known as “Breaker”—the tech-savvy communications expert and hacker for the elite G.I. Joe team.
But long before he donned the uniform of a covert operative, Saïd Taghmaoui made a powerful impression in French cinema. Early in his career, he co-wrote—alongside his friend and director Mathieu Kassovitz—and starred in the critically acclaimed drama La Haine. In that raw and gripping portrayal, Saïd Taghmaoui plays a character also named Saïd, one of three friends navigating life in the marginalized suburbs of Paris, struggling against systemic racism and social alienation.
Expanding his international presence, Saïd Taghmaoui took on a memorable role in the Gulf War-set dark comedy Three Kings, where he portrays an Iraqi officer who subjects Mark Wahlberg’s character to interrogation and electroshock torture—a scene that underscores the film’s gritty realism and moral ambiguity. This wasn’t the first time Saïd Taghmaoui would embody someone at odds with American interests, either.
In the political thriller Traitor, Saïd Taghmaoui steps into morally gray territory again, playing a member of a Yemen-based terrorist organization. There, his character engages in tense negotiations with Don Cheadle’s undercover arms dealer, blurring the lines between enemy and ally. Then, in Vantage Point, another politically charged action film, Saïd Taghmaoui delivers a chilling performance as Suarez, a terrorist leader orchestrating an assassination attempt on the U.S. president. The film’s unique structure—recounting the same events from eight different perspectives—adds depth to Saïd Taghmaoui’s portrayal, allowing viewers to piece together his motivations across timelines.
Interestingly, Saïd Taghmaoui shared screen space with Matthew Fox in Vantage Point, and their professional connection continued when Saïd Taghmaoui appeared in four episodes of the hit sci-fi drama Lost. Though his role there was relatively minor and recurring, it further demonstrated his ability to blend into ensemble casts while leaving a lasting impression. Over the years, Saïd Taghmaoui has consistently chosen roles that challenge stereotypes and explore the nuances of identity, conflict, and loyalty—solidifying his place as a distinctive voice in global cinema.
So, when it comes to Said Taghmaoui’s career highlights, one film really stands out as his most acclaimed work—La Haine from 1995. It’s widely regarded as his highest rated movie, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. The film made a big impact critically and continues to be praised even decades later. On the other end of the spectrum, Said Taghmaoui also appeared in Conan the Barbarian back in 2011, which, unfortunately, didn’t resonate as well with audiences or critics. That one ended up being his lowest rated film to date. Still, considering Said Taghmaoui’s diverse body of work, it’s interesting to see how roles like these show the range he’s taken on throughout his career. Said Taghmaoui definitely has moments of brilliance, especially in projects like La Haine, while other films, such as Conan the Barbarian, just didn’t hit the same mark.
United States
