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Sony/Columbia Hiring TV Writers to Reboot the Masked Hero 'Zorro'

by James Wallace
October 6, 2011
Source: Deadline

The last time we saw Zorro swashbuckling on screen was in 2005's The Legend of Zorro, with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Antonio Banderas, and before that in 1998 with The Mask of Zorro. Now Sony is looking to once again cut a "Z" in the silver screen: this time as an adaptation of author Isabel Allende's 2005 book simply titled Zorro, which is a 6-part mock biography of sorts focusing on the the Hispanic hero prior to his origins in Johnston McCulley's "Curse of Capistrano" in 1919. It also has ties to Mask of Zorro, in which Anthony Hopkins played Diego de la Vega, the character in the novella and original man behind the mask.

Deadline is reporting that Sony/Columbia Pictures has tapped Matthew Federman & Stephen Scaia to pen the reboot. Federman & Scaia are primarily TV writers, having worked on shows like Human Target, Jericho, and Judging Amy. Federman has no feature credits but has written for a video game - 2008's Fracture - so that's something. They recently adapted another novel for the screen, Candice Millard's "The River Of Doubt", which chronicles Teddy Roosevelt's trip down the Amazon in 1914. No word on the status of that project or who is attached to direct but it's set up at Jon Turteltaub's Junction Ent. So we may not know their names yet but I'm guessing we will once Zorro swings back onto the screens, likely in a few years.

So what do you think? Is Zorro one of those classic characters that you'll always get excited for or did that horse ride a long time ago? Personally, I remember enjoying The Mask of Zorro (I was 13 when it came out mind you)... The Legend of Zorro, on the other hand, I'm not even sure if I saw. If I did, it obviously wasn't that memorable. Those films always seemed to be big with the same crowds that like films like The Mummy and other action adventure throwbacks of the late '90s/early '00s. If Sony got someone like Joe Johnston to direct and Oscar Isaac (Drive, Sucker Punch) to star as Zorro, I might be interested. We'll let you know.

Filed under Development, Movie News, Opinions

From around the web:

Xerxexx

Why?
Brian

I was thinking the other day that they should, but also wondered if it was too soon. Still not settled on it. Good choice with Oscar Isaac , though.
Alex

I've read Allende's version and it was good. All the swashbuckling and adventure you expect from Zorro but the book focuses a great deal on the women of Zorro's life and their own adventures. Narrating a feature with a similar take could be extremely interesting.
equustel

The original Mask of Zorro outclasses the Mummy in every way. I wouldn't compare the audiences at all. And I don't think Joe Johnston would be a good pick - especially if they're adapting Isabelle Allende's "Zorro," which is a more realistic and reflective take on the character's origins. Think more drama, less action. Unless they decide to spice up the script a lot.
Pepito

Have no fear, Baraboom is here.
Gentleman308

you cannot beat Antonio Banderas' charm that he brought to the Mask of Zorro, He was absolutely the best zorro ever to be filmed
- http://senzafine.net/ Yahzee
  
  ... too bad his career has died long ago. I think the last film I enjoyed with him was The Legend of Zorro, but then again that was a flawed film. Perhaps instead of a reboot they could do another sequel and delete the horrible pseudo-character that is his "son"...
Sarizonana

I loved the mask of Zorro it's one of my favorite movies of all time, and my number 1from the 90s Antonio Banderas and Catherine zeta jones were so great together. They had the chemestry i've seen on screen. Do I want another movie ?yes Doni want a reboot not so shure because I can't see any other actor as zorro Antonio Banderas is zorro, and if we talk about the ladies. There is no actress who is as gorgeous as Catherine zeta jones. Yes there are so many pretty girls but they are not as exotic, sexy, stunning as catherine. There is something very unique about her that no other beautiful actress can match. Mila Kunis, Megan Fox, Natalie Portman are really bea
Elin

Shia LaBeouf, Penn Badgley or Chace Crawford as Diego de la Vega/Zorro
- Anonymous
  
  Shia ? Ew
http://www.themoviescene.co.uk Andy

As long as they didn't try and make it too serious and kept the sense of fun, adventure and escapism then I'm up for a reboot. But I can't think of anyone who could step into the character which Banderas played so brilliantly.
Fdfell

there is only one Zerro Antonio Bandara with Catherine Zeta Jones. Bring them back together on the screen
ManOWar1122

I'm sad that Antonio isn't going to continue being Zorro, but I do like some of Matthew Federman's work, so it should be pretty good if they can get it done. AND it sounds better than the new "Zorro Reborn" movie that takes place in a post apocalyptic world...(Seriously! >_<) As far as i'm concerned, as long as they get an actor who's not as lame as Geal Garcia Bernal, i can't wait to see this movie.
ManOWar1122

Actors to play Zorro. Here's an idea, how about Hugo Silvia or William Levy? idk... guess we'll find out who when they tell us...