# Antonio Banderas and AI in the film ‘Cortés’ > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/antonio-banderas-and-artificial-intelligence-in-cinema > Updated: 2026-10-14T17:28:31.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 3. Actor Antonio Banderas has expressed concerns regarding the rise of artificial intelligence, advocating for theater as a ‘refuge for truth’ due to the difficulty of distinguishing reality from manipulated digital content. He emphasized that live performance provides a human connection and an objective reality that technology cannot replicate. Following these remarks, Banderas is set to star in ‘Cortés,’ a historical drama being produced in Paris that utilizes artificial intelligence. A co-production between Utopai Studios and Ex Machina Studios, the film is directed by Paul Mignot and written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Nicholas Kazan. The narrative follows the 1519 expedition of Hernán Cortés to the Yucatán, focusing on the relationship between Cortés and Marina, an enslaved Indigenous woman and linguist. The plot aims to depict Cortés’ transformation from an outlaw to a self-proclaimed messiah while exploring themes of power, religious influence, and the alliances formed during the conquest. While Banderas previously highlighted the risks of digital manipulation, this project represents a shift toward the integration of AI in cinema. Producers intend to use AI-enabled tools to manage production scale and costs while maintaining creative control. The production, which includes filming in Spain, arrives amid ongoing industry debates regarding the ethical integration of AI and its impact on traditional filmmaking processes. The film is currently in production and is scheduled for release in 2027. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-14: Antonio Banderas to star in AI-driven film ‘Cortés’ Antonio Banderas will star in ‘Cortés’, an AI-enhanced historical film about Hernán Cortés’s 1519 expedition to Mexico, slated for a 2027 release. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonio-banderas-to-star-in-ai-driven-film-corts ### 2026-10-12: Antonio Banderas to star in AI-powered film ‘Cortés’ Antonio Banderas will star in ‘Cortés’, an AI-enabled historical drama about the 1519 Spanish conquest of Mexico, produced by Utopai Studios and directed by Paul Mignot. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonio-banderas-to-star-in-ai-powered-film-corts ### 2026-09-29: Antonio Banderas defends theater against AI as Mauricio Morales joins 'Reina Roja 2 Antonio Banderas defends theater as a vital space for truth against AI manipulation, while actor Mauricio Morales joins the cast of Prime Video’s 'Reina Roja 2' premiering October 2. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonio-banderas-defends-theater-against-ai-as-mauricio-morales-joins-reina-roja-2 --- Cite as: Antonio Banderas and AI in the film ‘Cortés’. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/antonio-banderas-and-artificial-intelligence-in-cinema