Blogamole › Antonio Banderas

By Michael Lopez

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 13 years since Antonio Banderas first donned his black cape and hat in The Mask of Zorro. Though the studio desperately tried to turn that movie into an ongoing franchise, its lackluster sequel and dismal box office returns kept the dream from ever happening. Now, it seems that 20th Century Fox is keen on bringing the masked Latin outlaw back, but in an entirely new fashion.

Latino Review is reporting that Fox hopes to reboot the legendary character in a new movie called Zorro Reborn. But instead of the historic California setting that Zorro fans know and love, this crusader will be fighting evil in a “desolate and post-apocalyptic world.”

Still in its very early development stages, the L.A. Times described the project as,

“Less a caped crusader for justice than a one-man vigilante force bent on revenge, in a western story that has echoes of both Sergio Leone and No Country for Old Men.’”

It all sounds very interesting to us, particularly the No Country for Old Men angle. Could that mean they may be considering a certain Spanish heavyweight to take on the role of Don Diego de la Vega?

To be honest, the character of Zorro has undergone quite a few changes since his creation nearly a century ago. Varying media interpretations have sent him to the future, given him magic powers, and even changed his gender (who can forget Tessie Santiago in Queen of Swords?).

So we say, why not? It’s obvious the old-fashioned swashbuckler imaged seemed a little stale for movie audiences. Who knows? Maybe they could even pit a post-apocalyptic Zorro against the Terminator!

Would you like to see a new Zorro movie get made? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Antonio Banderas, Chisme, Hot Stuff, Movies, Movies & CineMás, Zorro, Zorro Reborn

By Michael Lopez

There’s nothing we like more than an undercover philanthropist. Part of the joy of giving is not having to always announce it to the world, especially if you happen to be a world-famous movie star. That’s why it’s very interesting to note that Mr. Puss In Boots himself, Antonio Banderas, has quietly donated nearly $200,000 to various charities.

Together with his wife, actress Melanie Griffith, Banderas has created the Lágrimas y Favores Foundation, a charitable organization that funds needy college students, cancer victims, and those struggling to make ends meet. This past week, Lágrimas y Favores donated $108,000 to college scholarships in Antonio’s hometown, $36,000 to the Cancer Care Association, and $43,000 to the Catholic charity Caritas.

“The whole world is in a very tough, very deep crisis,” Antonio said. “It is causing suffering to a lot of people. We’re not going to fix the problems of the whole world, but we have a great belief in the work the foundation is doing.”

And, by the looks of things, Antonio is very serious about getting people involved in the foundation. Click over to the Lágrimas y Favores website and you’ll see ongoing blogs, pictures of Banderas from various fundraising events, and links to his charity’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

Which celebrity philanthropist are you most impressed by? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Antonio Banderas, Celebrities, Charities, Lagrimas y Favores, Melanie Griffith

By Michael Lopez

Never underestimate the abilities of Antonio Banderas. When he first burst on the Hollywood scene in the early 1990’s, he was easily dismissed as just another Latin hunk. Then he wowed audiences as a dramatic actor (Philadelphia), singer (Evita), and director (Crazy In Alabama)! And throughout it all, Antonio was harboring yet another talent; accomplished still photographer.

Image : Getty Images

Believe it or not, Banderas had been snapping up pix for decades. And now he’s about to publicly unveil a few at a high-profile museum in Madrid. Focusing on Spanish themes like Carmen, The Barber Of Seville, and Don Juan, Antonio intends to display over 23 of his unique photographs at the month-long exhibit.

After viewing a sample shot at TypicallySpanish.com, it’s clear that Banderas’ work will probably be best suited for those 18 and above. His stylish piece, entitled El Secreto, shows a sexy Latina baring all and being viewed through a keyhole.

When speaking about his photographic inspiration, Banderas said, “There are references to Andalusian culture, the bulls, a male and female stereotypes”

It all sounds very interesting, but unfortunately Madrid is quite a trek for most of us. We imagine if the exhibit is successful though, it’ll make its way back to America (Antonio did already show off some pix at the Cervantes Institute in New York). And who knows, maybe he’ll even throw in some original paintings too. Perhaps a cute little kitty cat in boots?

Source: [Daily Fresh News]

Are you a fan of still photography? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Antonio Banderas, Art, Cultura, Photography, Spain

By Sharmaine Jones

Calling all Spy Kids fans! If you're a victim of spy-kid-mania, then you're in for a pleasant surprise. “Spy Kids 4: All The Time in the World” will star our favorite action heroine Jessica Alba and funnyman Joel McHale!

Image: Getty Images

Jessica Alba and director Robert Rodriguez – who Jessica worked with on Machete and Sin City- will team up once again for the next installment of the popular series. Alba will play a retired spy who has been reactivated to stop the villain known as “The Time Keeper” and will require the assistance of her two preteen stepchildren. How lucky are these kids to have a super cool spy step-mom as gorgeous as Jess!

Alba's husband will be played by The Soup host Joel McHale who also happens to be an investigative reporter itching to get a spy-related story. We're willing to bet he has no idea that the scoop he's searching for is right under his nose – literally. We love it!
Although Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara – the original spy kids – will be replaced by a new batch of younger actors, (unless they want to rename the movie Spy Teens) Vega and Sabara, as well as Antonio Banderas will pop up in the movie in some capacity. Maybe a passing-of-the-torch type of moment.

Image: Dimension Films

Each of the first two Spy Kids films were solid family entertainment but Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over was far less than its predecessors as it lacking ingenuity and imagination. Honestly, it sucked! The fact that it was shot in 3D made it somewhat worth watching because you were able to enjoy the novelty of the experience rather than non-engaging story. Rodriguez will have his work cut out for him in assuring that the fourth reboot lives up to the first two but this time around he has a very secret weapon: the lovable Jessica Alba.

Spy Kids 4: All The Time In The World will be shot in 3D and is set for an August 19, 2011 release.

Is Jessica Alba's character luring you to see “Spy Kids 4” or has the franchise run its course?

Tags "Spy Kids 4: All The Time In The World", Antonio Banderas, Jessica Alba, Joel McHale, Robert Rodriguez

By Michael Lopez

Perhaps those Dreamworks execs were just teasing when they promised that "Shrek Forever After" would be the last installment for the big green ogre. With over $223 million in domestic profits since it's May 21 release, it’s pretty obvious that this franchise still has a ton of juice.

So how do you keep it going? By cranking out a spin off based on everyone’s favorite swash-buckling kitty, of course! Without missing a beat, the Shrek masterminds have created a website, release date (November 2011), and plot for the all-new Puss In Boots movie! Huzzah!

And was there really any doubt? We all know that since his appearance in Shrek 2, Antonio Banderas has stolen every scene with his character’s suave delivery and machismo attitude. Building a brand new adventure with Salma Hayek as a feline love interest — along with "The Hangover"’s Zach Galifianakis as Humpty Dumpty — sounds absolutely purr-fect!

You can get a first look at some of the characters and their quest to "catch the goose that laid the golden eggs" (sounds interesting) at the newly launched Puss In Boots website!

Source: [Latino Review]

What do you think of Antonio’s new Puss In Boots movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Antonio Banderas, CineMas Cool, Puss In Boots, Salma Hayek, Shrek

By Sharmaine Jones

Few actors have played both a feline in sturdy shoes and a vigilante! Antonio Banderas will have achieved just that as he goes from “Shrek Forever After” to Pedro Almodovar's latest film, “La Piel que Habito” (The Skin I Live In).

According to The Guardian, Almodovar said his latest project is "the hardest film I've ever written; Banderas' character is brutal.” He goes on to describe “La Piel Que Habito” as “a terror film without screams or scares.”

The film, an adaptation of author Thierry Jonquet's 1995 novel Mygale, stars Banderas as a plastic surgeon who exacts terrifying revenge on the men who raped his beloved daughter.

Banderas and Almodovar have reunited have reunited over the years for projects such as "Tie me Up, Tie me Down, ""Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," "The Law of Desire," and "Matador." Known internationally for his smoldering good looks, Banderas will be able to channel his dark side for this new role role.

The movie will begin production this summer in Spain.

We are definitely looking forward to seeing the sexy Spaniard exude all that masculinity as he becomes judge, jury, and executioner on the big screen. We're thinking “Assassins” meets “Mad Max”!

“La Piel que Habito” is set to release March 2011.

If you prefer Banderas as a cuddly kitty, the actor is lending his voice to another installment of the “Shrek” franchise entitled “Puss in Boots,” a story about the sword fighting cat's meeting with Shrek and his friends, also hitting theaters in 2011.

Let's be honest — as long as Antonio Banderas is in it, we're there!

Source: [The Guardian]

Tags Antonio Banderas, La Piel que Habito, Pedro Almodovar

By Simone Hilliard

Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, and their daughter Stella were on the cover of this week's Hola! Magazine.

It's hard to believe la pareja will celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary next month. Who thought this pairing would ever last?!

Banderas has even helped Melanie through three stints in rehab and her struggles with what she describes as a 30-year-old substance-abuse problem.  Hey, now that's love!

The couple was spotted at last night's premiere of "Shrek Forever After," in which the handsome Spaniard is "seen" as the swashbuckling feline Puss in Boots.

Having Griffith back in top shape must be wonderful. Banderas had this to say:

"Absolutely. We are stronger right now than we were."

Also in attendance at last night's premiere was Antonio's Shrek co-star Cameron Diaz. The blonde surf girl wore her hair pulled back in a low ponytail and looked wonderful while decked in Lanvin from head to toe: a black knee-length dress with peplum and black elastic belt, single-drop crystal earrings and bracelet, as well as nude leather pumps with a clear stiletto heel and a black satin bag with a tulle & chain strap.

"Shrek Forever After" will be in theaters May 21. Look for it in 3D and IMAX 3D!

(images via Getty)

Tr3s Comunidad, are you excited about "Shrek Forever After"? Weigh in below or @MTV3!

Tags Antonio Banderas, Cameron Diaz, Hola! Magazine, Shrek Forever After

By MTV Tr3s Staff

The 82nd Annual Academy Awards were held at Los Angeles' Kodak Theater on Sunday and while we've covered some winners and losers HERE, we've yet to discuss the most important part of the night...the FASHION!

Penelope Cruz looked lovely in a crimson sweetheart cut strapless and dropped waist.

Novio/Fiancee Javier Bardem sat beside Pene during the show, but didn't walk the carpet. Cameron Diaz sparkled in a champagne and crystal encrusted gown.

Jennifer Lopez was coined Best Dressed in this Giorgio Armani Prive pink incandescent dress with flowing drapery.

Antonio Banderas brought his wife Melanie Griffith to the awards...and his BEARD!

And Zoe Saldana...well...what can we say! What do you think of her Oscar ensemble: divine or disaster? Let us know below!

Photos via Getty Images

Tags 82nd Annual Academy Awards, Antonio Banderas, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Zoe Saldana

Looks like the after effects of the 'Twilight' franchise still aren't over with...  Brad Pitt has announced he will be producing una nueva película de vampiros, entitled 'Vlad' (as in Vlad the Impaler, quien fue la inspiración for Bram Stoker's 'Dracula').  Hmm, we still have very fond memories of Brad Pitt in 'Interview With The Vampire,' in which he starred with Tom Cruise and Antonio Banderas as los vampiros más sexy this side of Robert Pattinson.

The script for la película was written by young British actor Charlie Hunnam (most recently known as the heartthrob from FX's 'Sons of Anarchy'), and will be directed by Anthony Mandler, who has directed videos for artistas como Rihanna, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige and Eminem.   If you go by the video for "Russian Roulette," we think the director's got the dark theme down pat.  Here's hoping they cast a hot Latino/a in the film, and we'll be set! [MTV Movies; Perez Hilton]

Photo via Google Images

Tags Anthony Mandler, Antonio Banderas, Brad Pitt, Charlie Hunnam, Eminem, Jay Z, mary j blige, New Moon, R-Patz, Rihanna, Robert-Pattinson, Russian Roulette, Tom Cruise, Twilight, vampires, Vlad

Salma Hayek is looking very freakish in this behind-the-scenes snapshot on the set of her new movie Cirque Du Freak. In it she plays the infamous bearded lady, Madame Truska, who is part of a traveling sideshow with other monstrous creatures like herself. The film is expected to be released next February. Do you think the freak show has room for a few more Latinos? Check out who's on our list of the most "freaky" Latinos after the jump! [Just Jared]

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Tags Antonio Banderas, Movies