The Legend of Zorro (2005), directed by Martin Campbell, is the sequel to The Mask of Zorro (1998). Antonio Banderas reprises his role as the legendary masked swordsman, while Catherine Zeta-Jones returns as his equally fiery and fearless partner. This film attempts to balance action, romance, family drama, and political intrigue in a story set during California’s struggle to become part of the United States.
Detailed Summary
A Marriage in Trouble
The story picks up a few years after the events of The Mask of Zorro. Alejandro Murrieta (Antonio Banderas) has settled into his life as Zorro while also trying to be a husband to Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and a father to their young son Joaquin. Unfortunately, his double life takes a toll. Alejandro’s constant absence causes friction in their marriage, with Elena feeling neglected and frustrated by his inability to put family before the mask.
A Threat to California’s Statehood
California is on the brink of joining the United States, but powerful forces conspire to prevent this from happening. The main antagonist, Count Armand (Rufus Sewell), a wealthy landowner with hidden motives, becomes entangled in the scheme. Armand is secretly part of a European organization intent on destabilizing America through the use of explosives.
Elena’s Betrayal—or So It Seems
In a shocking twist, Elena appears to betray Alejandro by siding with Count Armand. Their marriage collapses, leaving Alejandro devastated. However, as the audience later learns, Elena is forced by Pinkerton agents to infiltrate Armand’s circle, effectively becoming a spy. She has to keep the truth hidden from Alejandro, even at the cost of her marriage.
Joaquin’s Discovery
Joaquin, their son, plays a vital role in the story. Curious and brave, he grows suspicious of his father’s secret life. Without realizing it, he begins to emulate Zorro, sneaking into dangerous situations and demonstrating surprising skill with both courage and wit. Eventually, Joaquin learns the truth about his father’s double identity.
The Train Conspiracy
The climax builds around a heavily armed train carrying crates of nitroglycerin. Count Armand’s plan is to use these explosives as part of a global conspiracy to cripple the United States. Alejandro and Elena, now reunited in purpose and love, team up to stop the train. Their son Joaquin also joins the action, showing that Zorro’s spirit runs in the family.
⇢ VIRAL RIGHT NOW
Movie Ending
The explosive finale sees Zorro facing Count Armand aboard the speeding train filled with nitroglycerin. After a heated sword fight, Zorro ultimately defeats Armand, who meets a fiery demise as the train crashes and explodes spectacularly. Alejandro, Elena, and Joaquin barely escape with their lives.
With the villain defeated and the conspiracy foiled, California successfully joins the United States. The family reunites, healing their earlier rift. Joaquin accepts his father’s dual life and even takes pride in being the son of Zorro. In a heartwarming conclusion, Alejandro unmasks himself before Joaquin, formally sharing his secret. The final scenes reaffirm the legacy of Zorro as not just a masked avenger, but as a husband, father, and symbol of justice.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Legend of Zorro does not include any post-credits scenes. The story wraps up neatly during the main film, with the ending emphasizing family unity and California’s political milestone.
Type of Movie
This is a swashbuckling action-adventure film with strong elements of romance, political drama, and family dynamics. Unlike the first film, which leaned more heavily on revenge and mentorship, this sequel introduces themes of marriage, trust, and legacy.
Cast
- Antonio Banderas as Alejandro Murrieta / Zorro
- Catherine Zeta-Jones as Elena de la Vega
- Adrián Alonso as Joaquin de la Vega
- Rufus Sewell as Count Armand
- Nick Chinlund as Jacob McGivens
- Shuler Hensley as Harrigan
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by James Horner, who also scored the first film. His music blends rousing orchestral themes with Spanish-inspired melodies, perfectly matching the sword fights, romantic tension, and sweeping landscapes of California.
Filming Locations
- Mexico was the primary filming location, with settings across San Luis Potosí and Mexico City. These areas provided the authentic, sun-soaked landscapes that convincingly represented 19th-century California.
- Large-scale train sequences were filmed with a combination of practical effects and sets built in Mexico, highlighting the importance of industrialization and transport in the story.
⇢ KEEP UP WITH THE TREND
Awards and Nominations
While the movie didn’t receive major critical awards, it was nominated for:
- ALMA Awards for performances by Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
- Several minor nominations for stunts and action choreography.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Antonio Banderas performed many of his own stunts, including horse-riding and sword fights.
- Catherine Zeta-Jones trained intensively to match Banderas in swordplay, ensuring Elena’s role wasn’t sidelined.
- The filmmakers wanted a stronger family dynamic, leading to the creation of Joaquin, Zorro’s son, as a key character.
- The train explosion sequence was one of the most expensive stunts of its kind at the time.
Inspirations and References
The film draws inspiration from classic Zorro literature and pulp stories, particularly Johnston McCulley’s original 1919 character. It also borrows elements from serialized adventure stories, blending historical fiction with swashbuckling heroics.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- Early drafts considered killing off Count Armand in a duel rather than the train explosion.
- Several deleted scenes explored more of Elena’s undercover mission with Armand, but were cut to streamline pacing.
- A lighthearted scene where Joaquin dons a miniature Zorro mask was filmed but left out.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The Legend of Zorro is not based on a single book but is an original continuation of the Zorro legend. However, it draws heavily from pulp-style serialized storytelling. The film places more emphasis on political intrigue than earlier Zorro tales, which traditionally focused more on personal vendettas.
⇢ MOST SHARED RIGHT NOW
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Zorro battling bandits in the opening chase scene.
- Alejandro and Elena’s heated argument that sets up the marital conflict.
- Joaquin outsmarting McGivens, proving he has his father’s cunning.
- The final explosive train sequence with the whole family involved.
Iconic Quotes
- Elena: “You cannot live two lives, Alejandro. You have to choose.”
- Zorro: “For California, for my family, for justice!”
- Joaquin: “I knew it. You’re Zorro.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Several nods to The Mask of Zorro, including the return of Alejandro’s old sword and subtle mentions of Don Diego de la Vega.
- The number 1821 appears in background props, referencing the year of Mexican independence.
- The Count’s European cabal is a wink at the old pulp villains Zorro traditionally fought—foreign powers seeking to destabilize California.
Trivia
- Martin Campbell directed both Zorro films, as well as Casino Royale (2006).
- The role of Count Armand was initially considered for a more prominent Hollywood star before Rufus Sewell was cast.
- The production team constructed one of the largest practical train sets ever used in film at the time.
Why Watch?
If you enjoy swashbuckling action, historical backdrops, and fiery romantic chemistry, this film offers a spirited continuation of the Zorro myth. While it may not capture the critical acclaim of its predecessor, it expands the legend with family themes and spectacular set pieces.
Director’s Other Movies
- GoldenEye (1995)
- The Mask of Zorro (1998)
- Casino Royale (2006)
- Edge of Darkness (2010)