In 2012, for the 100th anniversary of Albanian independence, the film was remastered for high definition with new voices, music, and sound effects.

[2] A historical film about the Albanian people's struggle against Turkish invaders in the 15th century, led by George Kastrioti, known to the Turks as Skanderbeg.

In April 1949, Enver Hoxha wrote to the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting that a film about Skanderbeg be made.

The Soviets decided to make a film about a national hero as they previously done in coproductions with the Mongolian People's Republic, China, and East Germany.

The Albanians wanted to remove a scene in which Skanderbeg ends a local blood feud through peaceful methods as it was historically and culturally inaccurate, but it remained in the film.

[9] The Great Warrior Skanderbeg premiered in Moscow and Tirana on 28 November, the 44th anniversary of Albania's independence.