Hollywood’s Danny Trejo to play Magellan in ‘1521’

Hollywood character actor Danny Trejo will portray Ferdinand Magellan in “1521.” IMDB

An upcoming historical epic depicting the Battle of Mactan in pre-colonial Philippines will star Hollywood actor Danny Trejo (“Machete,” “Con Air,” “Heat”) as Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. in Variety has learned.

“1521,” is being produced by Filipino American filmmaker Francis B. Lara Ho of Inspire Studios (“Angel Warrior,” “Palawan: Last Man Out”), according to Variety. Mary Krell-Oishi wrote the script.

The U.S.-Philippines production tracks the journey of Magellan, who led the Spanish expedition and was one of the first Europeans to travel to Asia. He reached the archipelago on March 16, 1521.

Principal photography is expected to start this month in Palawan.

Joining Trejo is Michael Copon (“One Tree Hill,” “Power Rangers,” “Scorpion King 2”) playing the role of Datu Lapu-lapu, an island ruler whose warriors defeated and killed Magellan killed in the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521.

“Complicating” the encounter between Magellan and Lapu-Lapu is the forbidden romance between native Mactan princess Diwata, played by Filipino actress Bea Alonzo (“Eerie,” “Unbreakable”), and a Spanish soldier, as well as Magellan’s translator Enrique, played by Hector David Jr. (“Power Rangers,” “East Los High”). Filipino actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan will be playing Ahmani, the sister of Diwata.