Zorro: La Espada y la Rosa.

The most anticipated Telemundo production has finally arrived, “Zorro: La Espada y la Rosa,” the story of the legendary Latin hero told for the first time in a novela format and shot in high definition. Starring Christian Meier as “Zorro,” Marlene Favela, Arturo Peniche, Osvaldo Ríos and Erick Elías, this classic legend and passionate love story premieres on Telemundo Monday, February 12 at 9PM / 8PM CT).

In addition to its leading cast, this stellar production also features performances by Jorge Cao, Héctor Suárez Gomís, Natasha Klauss, Harry Geithner, Andrea Montenegro, Andrea López, Luly Bossa, Cristian Tappan, Ricardo González and Natalia Bedoya.

“Zorro: La Espada y la Rosa” tells the adventures of the legendary hero, who’s true identity is Diego de la Vega (Christian Meier), a refined and wealthy man. What few know is that Diego is also a mysterious character who dresses in black and protects the less fortunate: a hero known by all as “Zorro.”

The story unravels when Diego de la Vega, son of military officer Alejandro de la Vega (Osvaldo Ríos) meets the enchanting Esmeralda (Marlene Favela), the youngest daughter of the treacherous and feared Fernando Sánchez de Moncada (Arturo Peniche). She is a young woman with a strong and rebellious personality who captures Diego’s heart. However, she does not have the same feelings for him because her heart belongs to someone else; a mysterious character whom she met in the strangest of circumstances, a man who dresses in black and calls himself “Zorro.” What she ignores is that Diego and “Zorro” are the same person. Time will pass before Esmeralda realizes that every night when she surrenders to her mysterious love, she’s really is in the arms of Diego de La Vega.

Unable to reveal his true identity, Diego will have to overcome many obstacles to win Esmeralda’s heart, including a rivalry with Renzo “El Gitano” (The gipsy) (Erick Elías), a handsome, proud and passionate man.

“Zorro: La Espada y la Rosa” is co-production of Sony Pictures Television International and RTI Colombia for Telemundo. With an original script from Humberto “Kiko” Olivieri, the novela is directed by Mauricio Cruz and Agustín Restrepo, with the executive production of Patricio Wills and Hugo Leon Ferrer. The production team is composed by more than 80 technicians who are divided in two units to tape on-location and RTI Colombia.

Telemundo has undertaken the arduous task of recreating the State of California during the 1800’s, including scenery and costume design, which are especially made for each character, including extras. Craftsmen and blacksmiths were commissioned to reproduce accessories for this specific time period. Actors have also been trained in horse back riding and fencing classes to bring their characters to life.

Viewers can also log into http://www.yahootelemundo.com/zorro>, providing fans with more details on this magnificent production such as behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive online videos and interviews with the cast and crew. Photo galleries, questionnaires as well as details on wardrobe and scenery will also be available online. Users will be able to get up-close and personal with the stars through blogs soon to launch on the site.