Javier Bardem is set to take the lead role of Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes in a new Amazon series.
Cortes will follow the journey of the conqueror who 'changed the course of history forever', following an expedition to King Montezuma II’s Aztec empire.
The four-hour mini series, from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television, will be penned by Schindler’s List writer, Steven Zaillian.
Speilberg has been eyeing up the project since 2014. Back then he had planned to do it as a feature film, but it has since evolved into a mini series through the television arm of his company.
Cortes' story is a complicated one, as on the one hand he extended the Spanish empire but at the cost of one of the great civilisations at the time.
Javier Bardem said the series would look at the aspect of the "best and worst of human nature".
Speaking to Deadline, Bardem said: "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 civilisations 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."
There is currently no release date for Cortes.
