Gael Garcia Bernal has been cast as the lead in the upcoming reworking of Zorro, called simply Z.

Jonas Cauron is directing the film which is expected to begin production later this year.

Z is described as a re-imagining of the classic legend based on the beloved masked swashbuckler.

“I have always loved Gael for this role,” says producer Mark Amin.

“Zorro is a hero who is charming, witty and clever. Gael possesses all those characteristic and he’s able to deliver them with a modern spin to introduce the Zorro character to a new audience.”