Antonio Banderas Cast in Chilean Miner Film THE 33

Antonio Banderas is set to star in The 33, which is a film based on the true story of the 33 Chilean miners who were trapped for 69 days in 2010 before being rescued. According to the report, Banderas will play Mario Sepulveda in the film, who is described as "the charismatic miner known as Super Mario."

Patricia Riggen (La Misma Luna) is on board to direct the film from a screenplay by Mikko Alanne and Jose Rivera. The movie also stars Martin Sheen and Rodrigo Santoro. 

The film will "recount the events surrounding the mine’s collapse and the subsequent rescue efforts, both from the miners’ perspective and those of the families and rescuers above, culminating in the emotional retrieval of all 33 miners." The script was written in collaboration with the miners themselves. The movie will also cover "the never-before told story of their first 17 days underground, before contact was made, details of which the miners have kept confidential until this time as part of their 'pact of silence.'"

I'm sure this will end up being a very interesting drama to watch unfold. The production is scheduled to start filming in Chile this fall.