Having written Gravity with dad Alfonso, Jonás Cuarón turned co-writer/director himself for immigration tale Desierto. He's now scored the chance to bring something that has been in the development wilderness for years to the screen – a futuristic take on the Zorro story.
Once known as Zorro Reborn, the film is now known called Z (a fitting title given how the hero often carves the initial into trees, fabrics and henchmen's chests). Not much has escaped about the plot, but we do know it'll recast the struggle against corrupt officials and landowners in Spanish-held California into a near future story of the main man taking on tyrants. Let's face it, given the biggest economic scandals at the moment, the concept still works. But will Zorro have his traditional sword, or will he upgrade to a lightsaber?
20th Century Fox tried to get this one set up, but Lantica Media and Sobini Films have had the rights for a while now and have secured both financing and studio space, with a production plan for this summer at Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios. Back when Fox had the project, there was talk of Gael Garcia Bernal eyeing the role, but nothing seemed to happen with it. Still, Bernal starred in Desierto, so perhaps he might actually be considering the mask and cape...