Actor Antonio Banderas makes a stop at MCAS Miramar to promote “The 33”

SAN DIEGO — Actor Antonio Banderas made an appearance at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar on Saturday afternoon to meet his fans and sign their memorabilia. It was all to promote the new Warner Bros. film “The 33.”

“The story itself is very powerful,” Banderas said in an exclusive interview. “If someone in Hollywood were to write this, it would be incredible. People all around the world would say, oh yes, that’s a Hollywood movie. That kinds of things don’t happen, but they do. Evenutally, we have stories that are very inspiring, that are real, that have a happy ending. At the same time, interesting values to everybody.”

The movie is about the 33 miners who got trapped in a Chilean gold mine after it collapsed on Aug. 5, 2010. It is based on a true story that captivated the world and lasted more than two months.

“We were not working in the most comfortable situations,” the actor explained. “We were just working in real mines. We were breathing methane gas everyday. It was really cold, really dry. It gets very hot because the mines in Chile were very hot. All of that brings a lot of realism to the movie. At the same time, it made us understand the sacrifice that these men do all around the world. It looks great when you see it. 12,000 miners lose their lives every year. It’s an unbelieveable number. It’s because we need to increase the security measures.”

Fans were able to meet Banderas and get their memorabilia signed. A military ID was required to enter the base and attend the advanced screening.

“He’s fantastic and very handsome,” said Margo Porter, a movie fan from San Diego. “I was here at 7:30 this morning. I was the first one on the steps.”

U.S. Marines Mobile Facility Technician Kris Manceaux said he’s a fan of the actor. “I am. I love Desperado. That was one of my favorite movies growing up. I know its about the Chilean miners that got stuck, obviously in the mine. I remember when that happened. I think that was in 2010. Yeah, I’m just excited to see the movie.”

Banderas was presented with a commemorative jacket for visiting MCAS Miramar.

Look for “The 33” to open in theaters nationwide on Friday, November 13, 2015.