Antonio Banderas’ Career: From ‘Labyrinth of Passion’ to ‘Paddington in Peru’

Antonio Banderas has captivated audiences for decades with his undeniable charisma and incredible range as an actor. He first rose to prominence in his native Spain as a frequent collaborator with the visionary director Pedro Almodóvar, starring in a series of bold and provocative films that established him as a major international talent. His smoldering intensity and fearless performances in these early projects quickly caught the attention of Hollywood, paving the way for a remarkable transition into American cinema.

Once in Hollywood, Banderas proved his versatility by tackling a wide variety of genres and roles. He seamlessly moved from playing romantic leads and swashbuckling heroes to voicing beloved animated characters and taking on complex dramatic parts. Whether he was wielding a sword as Zorro, crooning in a musical, or lending his voice to a feisty feline, he consistently brought a unique energy and commitment to every performance. His career is a testament to his enduring star power and his ability to connect with viewers all over the world.

‘Labyrinth of Passion’ (1982)

This film explores the chaotic and interconnected lives of several characters in Madrid’s vibrant countercultural movement. The story follows a pop star nymphomaniac named Sexilia and the son of a deposed Middle Eastern emperor named Riza Niro. Their paths cross amidst a backdrop of punk rockers, scientists, and other eccentric individuals.

Antonio Banderas portrays Sadec, a gay Islamic terrorist with a keen sense of smell. His character is part of a radical group that aims to kidnap Riza. Sadec’s storyline intersects with the main plot in a way that adds another layer of absurdity and danger to the already wild proceedings of the film.

‘Matador’ (1986)

The movie centers on the dark and intertwined obsessions of a retired bullfighter and a female lawyer. The bullfighter, Diego, can no longer face bulls in the ring, so he finds a different kind of thrill by reliving his greatest kills with students at his bullfighting school. María, the lawyer, shares his deadly passion, and their paths are destined to cross.

Banderas plays Ángel, a troubled young student at the bullfighting school who is one of Diego’s pupils. Ángel is a sensitive and conflicted character who falsely confesses to a series of murders, which brings him to the attention of María. He becomes a central figure in the dangerous game being played by the two main characters.

‘Law of Desire’ (1987)

This film tells the story of a successful gay film director named Pablo, who is entangled in a complicated love triangle. He is still in love with his ex-boyfriend Juan but begins a passionate and reckless affair with a new man named Antonio. The narrative also involves Pablo’s transgender sister Tina, who has her own complex past.

Antonio Banderas delivers a powerful performance as the obsessive and possessive Antonio. His character’s love for Pablo quickly escalates into a dangerous fixation. Antonio’s intense emotions drive much of the film’s dramatic and suspenseful plot, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion for everyone involved.

‘Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown’ (1988)

The film is a fast-paced comedy that follows an actress named Pepa as her life unravels over a 48-hour period. After being abruptly dumped by her lover Iván, Pepa frantically tries to find him to get some answers. Her search leads to a series of chaotic encounters with Iván’s eccentric wife, his son, and a variety of other quirky characters who show up at her apartment.

Banderas plays Carlos, the son of Pepa’s lover Iván. He and his uptight fiancée Marisa visit Pepa’s apartment because they are interested in renting it. They unwittingly get swept up in the escalating madness, with Carlos discovering shocking secrets about his father’s life and becoming entangled in the film’s central romantic chaos.

‘Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!’ (1989)

The story follows Ricky, a young man who has just been released from a psychiatric hospital. He decides to track down an actress and former adult film star named Marina, with whom he once had a brief encounter. His plan is to kidnap her and hold her captive until she falls in love with him, believing they are destined to be a happy family.

In this film, Antonio Banderas stars as Ricky, the disturbed but strangely charming kidnapper. He holds Marina hostage in her own apartment, trying to prove his love and convince her that he can be a good husband and father. His character’s unconventional and forceful methods of courtship drive the darkly comedic and romantic plot of the movie.

‘The Mambo Kings’ (1992)

This movie follows the journey of two musician brothers, Cesar and Nestor Castillo, who leave Cuba for New York City in the 1950s with dreams of hitting it big. They form a band called the Mambo Kings and experience the highs and lows of the vibrant Latin music scene. Their story is one of ambition, love, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Antonio Banderas made his American film debut playing Nestor Castillo, the younger and more introspective of the two brothers. Nestor is a talented trumpeter and the primary songwriter for the band. He is haunted by a lost love from Cuba, and this unrequited passion inspires his beautiful but melancholic music, which becomes the soul of the band.

‘Philadelphia’ (1993)

The film tells the story of Andrew Beckett, a successful corporate lawyer who hides his homosexuality and his AIDS diagnosis from his employers. When his condition is discovered, he is unjustly fired from his prestigious law firm. He then decides to sue his former employers for discrimination, hiring the only lawyer willing to take his case, a homophobic personal injury attorney named Joe Miller.

Banderas plays Miguel Álvarez, Andrew Beckett’s loving and supportive partner. His role is crucial in humanizing Andrew’s life outside the courtroom, showing the deep personal love and commitment at the heart of the story. His character provides a constant source of strength and tenderness for Andrew as he faces his legal battle and declining health.

‘Interview with the Vampire’ (1994)

Based on a famous novel, this gothic horror film chronicles the life of a vampire named Louis de Pointe du Lac. In modern-day San Francisco, Louis recounts his epic life story to a journalist, detailing his transformation into a vampire in the 18th century by the charismatic and malevolent Lestat de Lioncourt, and their centuries-long, complicated relationship.

Antonio Banderas portrays Armand, the ancient and powerful leader of a coven of vampires living in Paris. Louis and his young companion Claudia encounter Armand and his theater of vampires, which leads to a pivotal and tragic turning point in their immortal lives. Armand is a wise, sophisticated, and dangerous figure who offers Louis a new kind of companionship.

‘Desperado’ (1995)

This action-packed film follows a former musician and gunslinger known only as El Mariachi. He travels across a dusty Mexican border town carrying a guitar case filled with an arsenal of weapons. He is on a quest for revenge against the ruthless drug lord Bucho, who was responsible for the death of his lover and an injury to his hand that ended his music career.

Banderas stars as the stoic and vengeful El Mariachi. He brings a cool intensity to the character, effortlessly blending suave charm with deadly skill in the film’s highly stylized action sequences. His performance established him as a leading man in Hollywood action movies and created one of his most iconic roles.

‘Assassins’ (1995)

The plot revolves around Robert Rath, a veteran hitman who is the best in the business but wants to get out. His plans for retirement are complicated by the emergence of a young, ambitious, and ruthless rival assassin named Miguel Bain, who is determined to become number one by taking Rath out. The two become locked in a deadly cat-and-mouse game.

Antonio Banderas plays the energetic and psychopathic Miguel Bain. As the antagonist, he provides a chaotic and unpredictable foil to the calm and collected Rath. Bain is a skilled killer who enjoys his work, and his relentless pursuit of Rath drives the suspense and action throughout the movie.

‘Evita’ (1996)

This musical film chronicles the life of Eva Perón, the wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. The story follows her journey from humble beginnings in rural Argentina to becoming a hugely popular and influential political figure as the nation’s First Lady. The narrative is presented through a series of musical numbers that depict key moments in her life.

Banderas plays the role of Ché, who serves as the film’s narrator. His character is an everyman who observes and comments on Eva’s rise to power, often with a cynical and critical perspective. Ché guides the audience through the story, questioning Eva’s motives and the cult of personality that surrounds her, all while performing some of the movie’s most memorable songs.

‘The Mask of Zorro’ (1998)

The film centers on the original Zorro, Don Diego de la Vega, who escapes from prison after 20 years. He seeks revenge on his nemesis Don Rafael Montero, the man who imprisoned him, killed his wife, and raised his daughter as his own. To achieve his goal, he trains a troubled young thief named Alejandro Murrieta to become his successor.

Antonio Banderas stars as Alejandro Murrieta, who transforms from a common bandit into the new Zorro under Don Diego’s tutelage. He learns to channel his anger and master the skills of sword fighting and heroism to fight for the people of California. His performance is filled with charm, athleticism, and humor, making the character a classic swashbuckling hero.

‘The 13th Warrior’ (1999)

This historical action film is about an Arab emissary named Ahmad ibn Fadlan, who is sent on a diplomatic mission. He ends up encountering a group of Vikings and is recruited by them to help fight a mysterious and fearsome enemy that is terrorizing their homeland. The enemy is a tribe of savage cannibals known as the Wendol.

Banderas portrays Ahmad ibn Fadlan, an educated and civilized man who is initially out of place among the boisterous Vikings. As the story progresses, he learns their language and customs and becomes a respected warrior in his own right. He serves as the audience’s window into the Vikings’ world, bridging the cultural gap between the two groups.

‘Spy Kids’ (2001)

The movie is about the Cortez family, where the children, Carmen and Juni, believe their parents are boring and ordinary. They soon discover that their parents, Gregorio and Ingrid, are actually retired international spies. When their parents are captured by a villainous children’s TV show host, Carmen and Juni must become spies themselves to rescue them.

Antonio Banderas plays Gregorio Cortez, the inventive and caring father of the family. Before his retirement, he was a brilliant agent and gadget-maker. The film shows him in two lights, first as a slightly goofy dad and later as a capable super-spy, as he and his wife are forced back into action alongside their children.

‘Original Sin’ (2001)

Set in late 19th-century Cuba, this thriller follows a wealthy coffee merchant named Luís Vargas. He arranges to marry an American woman, Julia Russell, through correspondence. When she arrives, she is not the plain woman from the photograph he received, but a stunningly beautiful and mysterious person.

Banderas plays the lead role of Luís Vargas, a man who becomes completely enthralled by his new wife. As he falls deeper in love, he discovers that she is not who she claims to be and is hiding a dark and dangerous past. His character is drawn into a web of deceit, passion, and betrayal that threatens both his fortune and his life.

‘Femme Fatale’ (2002)

This stylish thriller centers on Laure Ash, a seductive jewel thief who participates in a heist during the Cannes Film Festival. She betrays her partners and escapes to Paris, where she assumes the identity of a woman who has just lost her husband and child. Years later, her past catches up to her when a photographer snaps her picture.

Antonio Banderas portrays Nicolas Bardo, the ex-paparazzo who takes the fateful photograph that threatens to expose Laure’s true identity. He becomes entangled in her dangerous world as she tries to manipulate him to protect her secrets. His character gets drawn into a complex plot of intrigue, deception, and unexpected twists.

‘Once Upon a Time in Mexico’ (2003)

This film concludes the ‘Mexico Trilogy’ and follows El Mariachi after he is recruited by a corrupt CIA agent named Sands. El Mariachi is tasked with preventing a powerful drug lord, Armando Barillo, from overthrowing the President of Mexico. The mission forces El Mariachi out of his secluded life and back into a world of violence and revenge.

Banderas returns to his iconic role as El Mariachi, now a legendary but haunted figure. He seeks personal vengeance against a general involved in the plot who was responsible for the deaths of his wife and daughter. His journey is one of retribution, filled with explosive action and dramatic confrontations.

‘Shrek 2’ (2004)

In this animated sequel, Shrek and Fiona return from their honeymoon and receive an invitation to visit Fiona’s parents, the King and Queen of the kingdom of Far Far Away. The King is not pleased with his daughter’s choice of husband and is pressured by the Fairy Godmother to get rid of Shrek so that Fiona will marry her son, Prince Charming.

Antonio Banderas joins the cast as the voice of Puss in Boots, a charming and feisty feline assassin. Initially hired by the King to eliminate Shrek, Puss in Boots is quickly defeated and, respecting Shrek’s mercy, swears an oath of loyalty to him. He becomes a valuable and hilarious ally to Shrek and Donkey on their adventures.

‘The Legend of Zorro’ (2005)

This sequel is set several years after the first film and finds Alejandro de la Vega struggling to balance his duties as Zorro with his life as a husband and father. His wife, Elena, feels neglected and wants him to give up the mask for good. Meanwhile, a new threat emerges involving a secret society that aims to prevent California from achieving statehood.

Banderas reprises his role as Alejandro de la Vega, also known as Zorro. He must once again don the mask to protect the people and uncover the conspiracy while also trying to win back his family. The film explores the personal cost of his heroism and forces him to confront challenges both as a hero and as a family man.

‘Take the Lead’ (2006)

The movie is inspired by the true story of Pierre Dulaine, a former professional dancer and Manhattan dance instructor. He volunteers to teach ballroom dancing to a group of troubled and detention-bound high school students in an inner-city New York public school. Initially met with resistance, he slowly earns their trust and respect.

Banderas portrays the elegant and determined Pierre Dulaine. He works to break through the students’ tough exteriors by introducing them to the world of tango, waltz, and foxtrot. His character teaches them not just about dance but also about self-respect, teamwork, and finding a new way to express themselves and connect with others.

‘Shrek the Third’ (2007)

When King Harold of Far Far Away falls ill, his ogre son-in-law Shrek is named as the heir to the throne. Unwilling to give up his beloved swamp for a life of royalty, Shrek sets out with his friends Donkey and Puss in Boots to find the only other suitable heir. They must locate Fiona’s rebellious teenage cousin, Artie.

Banderas returns to voice the suave and swashbuckling Puss in Boots. He provides comic relief and loyal support on the quest to find Artie. One of the film’s most memorable gags involves a magical mishap that causes Puss and Donkey to switch bodies, forcing Banderas to voice a character who is now trapped in the body of a donkey.

‘The Skin I Live In’ (2011)

This psychological thriller reunites Banderas with director Pedro Almodóvar. It tells the story of Dr. Robert Ledgard, a brilliant plastic surgeon who is haunted by personal tragedies. He becomes obsessed with creating a new type of synthetic skin that can withstand any kind of damage, conducting his experiments on a mysterious woman he holds captive in his home.

Antonio Banderas plays the complex and chilling role of Dr. Robert Ledgard. His character is a man driven by grief and a desire for revenge, leading him to cross dangerous ethical and moral boundaries. The film slowly unravels the dark secrets behind his experiments and his relationship with his captive patient.

‘Puss in Boots’ (2011)

This animated adventure serves as a prequel to the ‘Shrek’ series, revealing the origin story of the famous feline hero. The film follows Puss in Boots as he teams up with his childhood friend, Humpty Dumpty, and a skilled cat burglar named Kitty Softpaws. Together, they plan a daring heist to steal the magic beans from the notorious criminals Jack and Jill.

Banderas reprises his voice role, this time as the star of the show. The story explores his past as an orphan in the town of San Ricardo, his betrayal by Humpty, and his journey to clear his name and become a legend. The film is a swashbuckling tale filled with action, humor, and the signature charm of its titular character.

‘The Expendables 3’ (2014)

In the third installment of the action franchise, the Expendables team comes face to face with Conrad Stonebanks, the group’s co-founder who was long thought to be dead. Stonebanks has become a ruthless arms trader, and the team is tasked with bringing him down. Believing his old team is no longer up to the task, Barney Ross assembles a new, younger group of mercenaries.

Banderas joins the ensemble cast as Galgo, a fast-talking and highly energetic former Spanish Armed Forces soldier. He is desperate to join the team and showcases his impressive combat skills, albeit with a constant stream of chatter. His character brings a significant amount of comedic relief and a unique fighting style to the group’s mission.

‘The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water’ (2015)

This film combines animation and live-action sequences. The story begins when the secret recipe for the Krabby Patty is stolen, causing chaos in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob and his friends must team up with their nemesis, Plankton, and travel to the surface world to retrieve the formula from a devious pirate.

Antonio Banderas plays the live-action villain, a pirate named Burger Beard. He is the one who steals the magical book that can rewrite reality and uses it to get the Krabby Patty recipe for his food truck. Banderas portrays the character with comedic flair, serving as the main antagonist for the animated heroes once they reach land.

‘The 33’ (2015)

This biographical drama is based on the real-life event of the 2010 Copiapó mining accident in Chile. It depicts the harrowing ordeal of 33 miners who were trapped underground for 69 days following the catastrophic collapse of the San José copper-gold mine. The film shows their struggle for survival below ground as well as the efforts of their families and rescuers on the surface.

Banderas portrays Mario Sepúlveda, who becomes the public face of the trapped miners and their charismatic leader. He takes charge of rationing the limited food supply, maintaining morale, and making video logs to communicate with the outside world. His character is a central figure of hope and resilience in the face of an impossible situation.

‘Pain and Glory’ (2019)

The film is a deeply personal story about an aging film director named Salvador Mallo, who is experiencing a creative crisis fueled by physical ailments and memories of his past. As he reflects on his life, he reconnects with people from his childhood, his loves, and his career, leading him to confront his choices and find a path forward.

Antonio Banderas delivers a critically acclaimed performance as Salvador Mallo, a character largely inspired by the film’s director, Pedro Almodóvar. Banderas portrays the director’s physical pain and emotional vulnerability with profound subtlety. The role earned him numerous awards and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

‘The Laundromat’ (2019)

This film uses a comedic and unconventional approach to explain the complex financial scandal of the Panama Papers. It follows a woman named Ellen Martin, whose dream vacation takes a turn after a boating accident. Her attempts to get an insurance settlement lead her down a rabbit hole of shell corporations and shady dealings that trace back to a law firm in Panama.

Banderas co-stars as Ramón Fonseca, one of the two founding partners of the Mossack Fonseca law firm at the center of the scandal. He and his partner serve as the film’s charismatic and fourth-wall-breaking narrators. They guide the audience through the intricate and often absurd world of offshore tax havens and money laundering.

‘Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard’ (2021)

In this action-comedy sequel, bodyguard Michael Bryce is trying to take a break from the business on a therapist-recommended sabbatical. His vacation is interrupted by Sonia Kincaid, the wife of the hitman Darius Kincaid, who needs his help to rescue her husband. The trio gets entangled in a global plot involving a vengeful and powerful madman.

Antonio Banderas plays the film’s flamboyant and patriotic villain, Aristotle Papadopoulos. He is a Greek shipping tycoon who wants to destroy the European Union’s power grid as revenge for sanctions imposed on his country. His over-the-top character serves as the primary antagonist for the chaotic trio of heroes.

‘Official Competition’ (2021)

This satirical comedy explores the world of filmmaking and artistic egos. An elderly billionaire businessman decides he wants to leave a legacy by producing a great film. He hires a renowned but eccentric director, Lola Cuevas, who casts two legendary actors with vastly different styles and massive egos to star in the movie, a Hollywood heartthrob and a radical theater actor.

Banderas plays Félix Rivero, the global movie star with a reputation for being a charming but somewhat shallow performer. He is pitted against the serious method actor, Iván Torres. The director forces them through a series of increasingly bizarre and humiliating rehearsal exercises, creating a hilarious and insightful clash of personalities and acting methods.

‘Uncharted’ (2022)

Based on a popular video game series, this action-adventure film follows a young and clever street-smart thief named Nathan Drake. He is recruited by a seasoned treasure hunter, Victor “Sully” Sullivan, to help recover a fortune that was lost 500 years ago. Their globe-trotting adventure becomes a race against a ruthless treasure hunter who believes he is the rightful heir to the fortune.

Banderas portrays the film’s main villain, Santiago Moncada. He is a merciless aristocrat and the last descendant of the family that originally funded the expedition for the treasure. Moncada believes the fortune is his birthright and will stop at nothing to claim it, creating a dangerous obstacle for Nathan and Sully.

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)

In this highly acclaimed animated sequel, Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll. He has burned through eight of his nine lives, leaving him with only one life left. This forces the terrified hero to retire from his swashbuckling ways and embark on a grand journey to find the mythical Last Wish and restore his lost lives.

Banderas returns to voice the beloved character, bringing new depth to the role. The film explores themes of mortality and vulnerability as Puss confronts his own fear of death, which is personified by a menacing wolf bounty hunter. He teams up with old and new friends on a quest that is both epic and emotionally resonant.

‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ (2023)

The film finds the legendary archaeologist Indiana Jones in a new era, grappling with a world that seems to have outgrown him. As the space race is in full swing, he is uneasy about the U.S. government’s recruitment of former Nazis to help beat the Soviet Union. He is soon pulled into a new adventure involving his goddaughter, Helena, and a powerful, time-altering artifact.

Antonio Banderas has a memorable role as Renaldo, an old friend of Indiana Jones and an expert deep-sea diver living in Greece. He provides crucial assistance to Indy and Helena when they need help exploring a shipwreck for a clue to finding the artifact. His character is a loyal and grizzled sailor who helps move the heroes along on their dangerous quest.

‘Paddington in Peru’ (2024)

This film sees the beloved bear Paddington return to his country of origin, Peru, to visit his dear Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears. When he arrives, he discovers that Aunt Lucy has embarked on a mysterious quest deep into the Amazon rainforest. This unexpected turn of events launches Paddington and the Brown family, who have surprisingly followed him, on a grand adventure to find her.

Antonio Banderas plays Hunter Cabot, a dashing and adventurous riverboat captain who agrees to guide the family on their jungle expedition. His character, along with his daughter Gina, navigates the group through the vibrant and perilous Amazon. Hunter Cabot adds plenty of action and humor to the journey as he helps the Browns navigate the unfamiliar and exciting terrain in their search for Aunt Lucy.

What are your favorite Antonio Banderas movies from his long and varied career?