Alex Proyas is taking the helm of a historical epic centered on one of history’s most controversial conquests. The Crow filmmaker has signed on to direct Cortés, which stars Antonio Banderas as Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés.
According to Deadline, Proyas replaces French filmmaker Paul Mignot, who initially directed the project. Filming began in Paris and Spain several weeks ago, and Mignot remains attached in another capacity. Oscar-nominated screenwriter Nicholas Kazan wrote the screenplay, which took years to reach production.
The film marks Proyas’ largest directorial commitment since 2016’s Gods of Egypt. He described Cortés as a story of ambition, conquest and betrayal, told through Marina’s perspective. He also highlighted Cortés’ contradictions by describing him as “visionary and ruthless, charismatic and monstrous, capable of extraordinary courage and unspeakable cruelty.”
What is Antonio Banderas’ Cortés film about?
Set in 1519, the historical epic follows Cortés as he takes command of an expedition in Cuba. Hungry for glory, he sails without permission toward the Yucatán and reaches what is now Mexico. There, he meets Marina, an enslaved Indigenous woman whose language skills become crucial to his campaign.
Marina becomes essential as Cortés builds alliances and advances his conquest. However, she also witnesses how he uses faith, fear, and political relationships to grow his power. The story follows his transformation from a rebellious soldier into a self-appointed messiah, examining the human cost of colonial ambition.
Utopai Studios and Ex Machina Studios are co-financing and co-producing the film, with Marco Weber serving as producer. Its AI-enabled approach aims to bring the historical setting and large-scale sequences to life.
The project also builds on Proyas’ collaboration with Weber and Ex Machina on Heaven, scheduled for release in 2027.
The filmmaker said, “My collaboration with Marco and the Ex Machina team on Heaven has opened up exhilarating new possibilities for cinematic storytelling, allowing us to bring this extraordinary world to life on a scale and with a visual ambition that would once have been unimaginable.”
The announcement comes ahead of the American Film Market (AFM), where K5 International will present the project to international buyers. The company will handle sales across Europe, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. Utopai Studios controls distribution rights in the remaining territories, including North America and Asia.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
