25 Years Later, Antonio Banderas is Still Proud of The Mask of Zorro
Antonio Banderas is a Spanish-born actor and filmmaker who rose to prominence on the world stage thanks to his beautiful looks, sensuality, and range of emotions. The actor entered Hollywood in 1989 and three years later appeared in the cult favorite The Mambo Kings, playing a young Cuban musician. The 62-year-old further went on the star in various English-language movies. Banderas, with his charm and talent, successfully established himself in the Hollywood industry.
The Spanish actor rose to fame with his legendary sword-fighting vigilante role in 1998s, The Mask of Zorro. The part in the film helped the Desperado actor establish himself as a leading man in the industry. As the film turns 25 this year, Antonio Banderas discussed his role and the impact the film had on his career.
Antonio Banderas reflects on his role in The Mask of Zorro
Actor Antonio Banderas is been through a lot in his life. The actor suffered from a heart attack in 2017 and considers himself lucky to be alive after that. Over the years, Banderas has managed to make a career in the Hollywood industry. The Spanish actor entered the industry in 1989 and went on to star in various films.
The 62-year-old has been part of many Hollywood films, but The Mask of Zorro holds a special place in his acting career. As the movie celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the actor reflects on his role in the 1998 film and how important that casting was for his film career.
In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, the Desperado actor talked about playing the legendary sword-fighting vigilante in The Mask of Zorro. He said,
“It was very significant because my career up to that point was [mostly] European movies, especially all the work that I did with Pedro Almódovar.”
Before starring in the 1998 film, Banderas was mostly associated with Almódovar collaborations. He starred in notably 90s hit films like Philadelphia and Desperado. The Puss in Boots star added,
“Suddenly I got into a completely different universe, a universe of action, a universe of international movies that went all around the world. It was unbelievable… it was such a huge success.”
The 62-year-old further shared a piece of advice his producer, Steven Spielberg, gave to him about CGI taking over the industry. Spielberg told the actor that The Mask of Zorro would be one of the last Westerns shot in the way the Westerns were shot in the old days with real things. The director said Banderas should be proud of this movie. The Spanish actor said,
“I am, probably even more now than at the time that I was doing it. I don’t know if I was absolutely conscious when I was doing Zorro that it was going to have an impact. The impact that it’s had, and especially after 25 year.”
He further added that working on The Mask of Zorro was a beautiful adventure, and he had nothing but good memories about the film.
Antonio Banderas’ The Mask of Zorro turns 25 this year
The Mask of Zorro, starring Antonio Banderas, came out on July 17, 1998. Directed by Martin Campbell and produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, it was released 25 years ago. The film grossed $94 million in the U.S. and $250 million worldwide.
The 62-year-old portrayed Alejandro Murrieta, a bandit who joins forces with Don Diego de la Vega, the original Zorro, to exact revenge on the corrupt governor of Las Californias, Montero. However, he falls in love with Elena, de la Vega’s daughter.
In 2005’s The Legend of Zorro, Banderas reprised his famous role. Although the sequel wasn’t as popular as the original.
The Mask of Zorro is available to rent on Apple TV.
Also Read: Antonio Banderas Reveals Quentin Tarantino Wanted Django/Zorro Crossover
Source: Yahoo Entertainment
