Antonio Banderas Cast as Hernán Cortés
Utopai Studios and Ex Machina Studios have begun production on the upcoming historical film in Paris.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Action/Adventure
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Antonio Banderas has been cast to play Hernán Cortés in an upcoming film titled Cortés. The project is currently in production in Paris under the direction of Paul Mignot.
Why it matters
The film represents a collaborative effort between Utopai Studios and Ex Machina Studios to co-finance and produce major historical projects. The production is notable for its integration of artificial intelligence into studio workflows.
Utopai and Ex Machina Studios have confirmed three major film releases for 2027. The studios are utilizing artificial intelligence workflows to manage the production of the historical drama.
The players
Antonio Banderas
He is a veteran Spanish actor who plays the title character of Hernán Cortés.
Paul Mignot
He is the director tasked with overseeing the film production in Paris.
Nicholas Kazan
He is the screenwriter responsible for drafting the narrative of the film.
Utopai Studios
This organization is a co-financier and distributor that rebranded as an entertainment studio in 2025.
Ex Machina Studios
This studio serves as a co-producer and handles distribution for European and Latin American markets.
The details
Written by Nicholas Kazan, the film chronicles the historical narrative of Hernán Cortés, who led an expedition to the Yucatán in 1519. Distribution rights for the finished product are split internationally between the two co-producing studios.
Timeline
Hernán Cortés led his expedition to the Yucatán in 1519.
Production for the film Cortés is occurring in October 2026.
The film Cortés is currently scheduled for a 2027 release.
Industry Dynamics
The production follows a pattern set by the integration of artificial intelligence into film production workflows. This move reflects a broader industry shift toward leveraging new tech to manage co-financing and international distribution logistics.
Audiences can expect the film to be distributed across different global regions depending on their location. Viewers in North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa will access the film through Utopai, while those in Europe and Australia will utilize Ex Machina.
The takeaway
The co-production model allows studios to mitigate the high costs of historical epics by sharing distribution rights across diverse geographic markets. This strategy suggests a continued trend of international studio alliances to maximize global box office reach.
Further reading
Learn more about upcoming blockbusters in the Action/Adventure section.
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