Javier Bardem to play Hernan Cortes in Steven Spielberg mini-series

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

A decade after he was blacklisted, Dalton Trumbo wrote a script which explored the relationship between legendary conquistador Hernán Cortés and the Aztec emperor Montezuma. It was originally planned that the project would reteam Trumbo with SPARTACUS star Kirk Douglas, but it didn't come to fruition and lay abandoned until 2014 when Steven Spielberg came along to resurrect it. Spielberg tapped Steven Zaillian (SCHINDLER'S LIST) to adapt Trumbo's script and it was reported that Javier Bardem was interested in the title role.

While Cortes was initially conceived as a feature-film, the project has since transformed into a mini-series which Deadline reports will be brought to us by Amazon Studios. Javier Bardem is now officially onboard to star as Cortés with the four-hour series scripted by Steven Zaillian and executive produced by Steven Spielberg.  In a statement, Amblin Television co-heads Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey said, "We are so pleased that Amazon has given us the opportunity to bring this exciting 500-year-old story to Prime Video members worldwide. It is a part of history that had such a significant impact and largely influenced modern day civilizations. With Javier as Cortes, we have the perfect star for this role, and we can’t wait to get started." Sharon Yguado, head of scripted series at Amazon Studios, added, "Cortes' epic discoveries shaped the world as we know it today, and through the minds of Amblin, Steven Spielberg, Steve Zaillian and Javier Bardem, we will bring Prime Video members on an exhilarating journey. There are few moments in history that shape an entire culture such as Cortes’ story, and this series will be one filled with drama and adventure." As for Javier Bardem, well, he seems pretty thrilled as well.

It is a privilege to tell this epic story — one that is full of drama and conflict within this huge, historical spectacle where two distant civilizations clash at the height of their reign. The best and worst of human nature came to life in all its light and darkness. As an actor, there is no better challenge than to serve such a unique project that I have been passionate about for years, and I am thrilled to be working with this dream team of Steven Spielberg, Steven Zaillian and Amazon.