Antonio Banderas to star in Cuba-set series 'Havana Quartet'

Antonio Banderas is to act in and executive produce Havana Quartet, an hourlong drama series based on the detective novels of Cuban writer Leonardo Padura, Starz announced.

Best known for his work in The Mambo Kings, Desperado, Assassins, Evita, The Mask of Zorro, Expendables 3 and the Shrek film franchise, Banderas will play "hard-drinking, romantic Cuban Police Detective Mario Conde, who longs to be a writer" in the new TV show.

"Starz continues to see great opportunity in continued programming diversification with many communities and genres," Starz Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht said in a statement. "Partnering with eOne to develop the drama series Havana Quartet with international star Antonio Banderas will allow us to give viewers a premium show that highlights the decaying beauty of Cuba during its 'Special Period' -- a time and place which tourists rarely got to experience."

"Havana Quartet is a series that captures both the romance and the underbelly of a country that has struck our collective curiosity and imagination for decades, and it was important for us to create a show that is authentic to Padura's elegant, noir-tinged novels and to Cuba itself. We are delighted to partner with Starz and to have assembled such an exceptional team of talent to bring this special project to life," added Pancho Mansfield, president of global scripted programming for eOne Television.