Antonio Banderas to Play Spanish Conqueror Hernán Cortés in Paul Mignot and Nicolas Cazan Film

Antonio Banderas has signed on to play Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés in 'Cortes,' a feature film directed by French filmmaker Paul Mignot, based on a screenplay by Nicolas Cazan. Production is currently underway in Paris, with additional filming planned in Spain. Utopai Studios and Ex Machina Studios are partnering on the project. Marco Weber is […]

Antonio Banderas has signed on to play Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes in Cortes, a feature film directed by French filmmaker Paul Migno from a screenplay by Nicolas Kazan.

Production is currently underway in Paris, with additional filming planned in Spain.

Utopai and Ex Machina Studios are partners in this project. Marco Weber is producing. Utopai Studios will handle sales and distribution in the US, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Ex Machina Studios will handle sales and distribution in most of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. RELATED STORIES Festivals review 'Opposite': Antonio Banderas and Eva Bertisel in Trudie Styler's wittier comedy about a divorced couple forced to have a baby to save their daughter - Toronto Film Festival News Antonio Banderas is honored as a change agent at PrevisaUnivisions.

Synopsis: In 1519, Cortés begins in Cuba, where a restless and glory-hungry soldier takes command of an expedition to the Yucatan and sails without permission. After landing on the shores of present-day Mexico, he meets Marina, an enslaved native woman and gifted linguist essential to his progress. As Cortés turns fragile alliances, faith, and fear into tools of conquest, Marina witnesses his transformation from bold outlaw to self-anointed messiah. Watch on Deadline

Cortes said exactly the same as Cecilia Shen, co-founder and CEO of Utopai Studio: Why we built Utopai Studio. Nicolas has written a wonderful script, Paul has a clear cinematic vision and Antonio puts the necessary humanity at the center. "We want to give them the ability to make the movie they're going to make."

Mignot's previous works include the historical feature Vaincre ou Mourir. He has also directed campaigns for BMW, Porsche, Audi, Lexus, Jeep, L'Oréal, Louis Vuitton and Emporio Armani.

Kazan was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his adaptation of Reversal of Fortune's screenplay. His screenwriting credits include Frances, Patty Hearst, Matilda, The Fallen, and The Bicentennial Man.

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