Antonio Banderas is set to portray the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in an upcoming historical drama titled Cortés. The film is expected to feature substantial use of artificial intelligence, stemming from the involvement of AI film companies Utopai Studios and Ex Machina Studios.
Historical Figure and Production Details
Hernán Cortés was a pivotal figure in the early 16th century, known for leading the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire in 1521. Directing Cortés is Paul Mignot, with Nicholas Kazan penning the screenplay. Marco Weber, an executive at Ex Machina Studios, is producing the film. Filming has already begun in Paris, with subsequent production planned for Spain, the birthplace of both Cortés and Banderas.
According to the film's synopsis, Cortés begins in 1519 Cuba, where Cortés commandeers an expedition to the Yucatán without authorization. Upon arrival in present-day Mexico, he encounters Marina, an Indigenous woman who becomes crucial to his advancement. The narrative follows Cortés as he manipulates alliances, faith, and fear to achieve conquest, with Marina observing his transformation from a daring outlaw to a messianic figure.
AI Integration and Casting Considerations
While Banderas, a Spanish actor, taking on the role of a Spanish historical figure has generated excitement, some discussion has arisen regarding the age difference between the actor and the historical Cortés at the time of the conquest. Cortés was 36 in 1521, while Banderas is currently 66. The filmmakers anticipate utilizing AI technology, potentially for de-aging Banderas if deemed necessary, given the film's planned integration of advanced technology.
The involvement of Ex Machina Studios and Utopai Studios, both specializing in AI in filmmaking, suggests a significant role for artificial intelligence in the production. While the exact extent of AI's application remains unspecified, the scale of the project, which was previously considered difficult to film, indicates that innovative technological approaches are expected.