Antonio Banderas Joins AI-Assisted Film on Hernán Cortés

The Oscar-nominated actor will play Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in 'Cortés,' a feature produced with AI tools by Utopai Studios and Ex Machina Studios, now shooting in Paris.

Antonio Banderas is lending his star power to the growing field of AI-assisted filmmaking, signing on to play Hernán Cortés in a new feature titled 'Cortés.' The project comes from Utopai Studios in partnership with Ex Machina Studios, marking one of the higher-profile celebrity endorsements yet for a production built around generative AI tools. The film is directed by Paul Mignot, known for 'Vaincre ou mourir,' and written by Nicholas Kazan, an Oscar nominee recognized for his screenplay work on 'Reversal of Fortune.' According to Variety, the production is currently underway in Paris, with Banderas taking on the role of the Spanish conquistador at the center of the story. The announcement adds Banderas to a growing list of established actors and filmmakers willing to attach their names to AI-driven productions, a trend that has been expanding as studios like Utopai position themselves as viable players in mainstream entertainment rather than niche experimental outfits. Details on the film's budget, release timeline, and distribution plans have not yet been disclosed. As AI-powered features continue to attract recognizable talent, 'Cortés' will likely serve as another test case for how audiences and the industry respond to blending traditional star power with emerging production techniques.