Danny Trejo to Portray Ferdinand Magellan in Historical Epic Film “1521”

Danny Trejo is ready to conquer the world…

The 78-year-old Mexican American actor will portray Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, an upcoming historical epic that charts the pre-colonial era of the Philippines depicting the Battle of Mactan.

Danny TrejoProduced by Filipino-American filmmaker Francis B. Lara Ho of Inspire Studios 1521 is a U.S.-Philippines production that follows the journey of Magellan, who led the Spanish expedition and was one of the first Europeans to travel to Asia. He reached the archipelago that is known as Philippines today on March 16, 1521.

The script of 1521 was penned by Mary Krell-Oishi. Principal photography is expected to start this month in Palawan.

Joining Trejo in the cast is Michael Copon. He will play the role of Datu Lapu-lapu, an island ruler and leader of the warriors who fended off Magellan’s attempted colonization of the Philippine archipelago.

Magellan’s forces were defeated and the Portuguese explorer killed in the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521.

Complicating the historic encounter between Magellan and Copon is the forbidden romance between native Mactan princess Diwata, played by Filipino actress Bea Alonzo and a Spanish soldier, as well as Magellan’s translator Enrique, played by Hector David Jr. Filipino actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan will be playing Ahmani, the sister of Diwata.