The Mask Of Zorro was released in 1998, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins as Zorro and Catherine Zeta Jones as his daughter. Banderas was the lovable rogue trained by the master to take over as Zorro, the people's champion and hero.

Over the years, there was much anticipation of a sequel but the ever-demanding schedules of the key players -- especially Banderas, Zeta Jones and director Martin Campbell -- meant it was difficult to get them all together at the same time.

A script which impressed all three was the spur to do it in the end. In The Legend Of Zorro, Don Alejandro de la Vega (Banderas) and his feisty, beautiful wife Elena have a son, Joaquin. California, where they live, is about to vote on whether or not to join the United States.

Don Alejandro promises to give up his alter ego, Zorro, once he is convinced the people will be allowed to vote without interference. But there are plans to sabotage the vote and Zorro is forced to take action. His wife, however, forces him to choose between his family and his work, leading to Zorro being thrown out of the marital home.

Banderas talks about his new film.

Design: Uday Kuckian