When Spielberg Predicted the Future: Antonio Banderas Remembers The Mask of Zorro Set
Modern cinema is exactly what Steven Spielberg foresaw 25 years ago.
Before Antonio Banderas donned the black cape and mask, the Spanish actor was mostly known for his European films, especially his collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar.
While he had made a splash in American films like Philadelphia, Interview with the Vampire, and Desperado, it was Banderas' role as Alejandro Murrieta, the successor to the original Zorro, that catapulted him to global stardom. The Mask of Zorro was a massive hit, raking in $94 million in the US and $250 million worldwide and making Banderas a household name.
In a recent interview with Yahoo, the actor talked about how this role marked a significant shift in his career, taking him from the universe of European cinema to the realm of international action movies. He also remembered one episode from the set, which makes this film and its role in the history of cinema even more fascinating. It was a conversation Banderas had with Steven Spielberg, who produced the movie.
Spielberg, being the visionary that he is, totally saw it coming. He predicted that The Mask of Zorro would be one of the last old-school Westerns with real-life action, real horses, and legit sword fights, all without relying on CGI.
He gave Banderas the heads-up that big changes were just around the corner, and they were coming at full speed.
The late 1990s and early 2000s marked the beginning of a new era in cinema. The advent of digital technology transformed every aspect of the process, from pre-production to post-production. Computer-generated imagery became a game-changer, allowing filmmakers to create scenes and effects that were previously impossible or too dangerous to shoot.
Spielberg’s prediction was absolutely correct as the use of CGI has since become ubiquitous in Hollywood, especially in action and adventure films.
Banderas says that, when he looks back on it, he feels really proud to have been a part of a movie that marked the end of an era. The Mask of Zorro made a big impact, and even after 25 years, it still holds a special place in the actor's and fans' hearts.
The star also came back for the sequel, The Legend of Zorro, but it didn't quite live up to the first one's success. However, people have been buzzing about a potential third movie. Banderas is down for it, but this time, he'd take on the role of the wise mentor, handing over the Zorro legacy to a new hero.
Source: Yahoo