Antonio Banderas to star in AI-powered film ‘Cortés’

Antonio Banderas is set to star in ‘Cortés’, a historical drama produced by Utopai Studios and Ex Machina Studios that utilizes artificial intelligence in its production process. Directed by Paul Mignot and written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Nicholas Kazan, the film is currently in production in Paris, with additional filming planned for Spain.

The narrative follows the 1519 expedition of Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés to the Yucatán. The plot focuses on the relationship between Cortés and Marina, an enslaved Indigenous woman and linguist whose skills become essential to the Spanish advance. The film aims to explore the human complexities of the conquest, depicting Cortés’ transformation from an outlaw to a self-proclaimed messiah.

This project marks a significant move for Banderas, who has expressed interest in the inevitable shift toward AI in cinema. The use of AI-enabled tools is intended by producers to manage production scale and costs while maintaining creative control. The production comes amid ongoing debate within the film industry regarding the ethical integration of AI and its impact on traditional filmmaking processes.