Antonio Banderas Shares Rare #TBT From ‘The Big Bang’
Actor dives into a 2010 sci-fi throwback by Tony Krantz spotlighting wrestler-actor Robert Maillet
Image: Instagram
Antonio Banderas surprised his Instagram followers this week with an unexpected #TBT post highlighting a 2010 sci-fi thriller he wasn’t even in. Under the caption “Recordando… #TBT La partícula de Dios / The Big Bang 2010 Dir. Tony Krantz #trowbackthursday #robertmaillet,” the Spanish star paid homage to Robert Maillet’s turn as a hulking interstellar detective. Fans quickly noted the nod to director Tony Krantz and the bilingual title — “La partícula de Dios” (“The Particle of God”) — used in some markets.
The #tbt Moment
In the screenshot shared by @antoniobanderas, Maillet strides through a high-tech corridor flanked by neon wall panels. Banderas prefaced the image with the single Spanish word “Recordando…,” which translates as “Remembering…,” before tagging #trowbackthursday and #robertmaillet. Though Banderas himself had no role in the film, his salute to the former wrestler turned actor underscored the interconnected nature of genre cinema and its global audience nearly 15 years on.
About ‘the Big Bang’
Released in 2010, The Big Bang (also known in Spanish territories as La partícula de Dios) marked director Tony Krantz’s first foray into feature filmmaking. The movie follows a brilliant physicist on the run after discovering a weaponized subatomic particle. Robert Maillet, best known at the time for his imposing frame and a stint in Zack Snyder’s 300, took a surprising lead role as a hard-nosed federal agent dispatched to retrieve the fugitive scientist. Despite mixed reviews at release, the film developed a cult following for its blend of science-fiction concepts and pulpy action.
Robert Maillet Flashback
Robert Maillet made his acting debut after decades in the World Wrestling Federation as Kurrgan. Standing at 6-foot-10, he quickly found screen work in blockbusters like Sherlock Holmes (2009) and Pacific Rim (2013). In 2010’s The Big Bang, Maillet balanced his physical presence with surprisingly nuanced moments, earning praise from genre fans. Banderas’s choice to spotlight Maillet’s performance speaks to the actor’s admiration for colleagues outside his own filmography.
Fans React
Within hours, comments poured in from Banderas’s 8 million followers. One user wrote, “Love this deep cut! Robert Maillet is underrated,” while another joked, “Next you’ll post a #TBT from your own heavy-metal movie, Around the World in 80 Days?” Many tagged Maillet himself, who responded with a heart emoji and reposted Banderas’s story to his own feed. The exchange highlighted social media’s power to rekindle interest in lesser-known titles long after their theatrical runs.
Banderas’s Instagram Nostalgia
This isn’t the first time Banderas has used Throwback Thursday to honor peers. Over the past year, the actor has shared behind-the-scenes stills from his Almodóvar collaborations and off-camera snapshots with co-stars like Melanie Griffith. By turning the spotlight onto Maillet’s sci-fi outing, Banderas broadened the usual nostalgia stream, reminding fans that genre cinema often relies on unexpected heroes. His simple caption and strategic hashtags did more than preserve memory — they prompted a fresh wave of downloads, streams, and online discussions about The Big Bang.
Whether prompting viewers to revisit their streaming queues or introducing Robert Maillet to a new generation, Antonio Banderas’s latest #TBT proved that even films outside his own catalogue can benefit from a well-timed flashback. As fans continue to share GIFs and clips, one thing’s clear: the Particle of God will keep drawing curious viewers for years to come.
Trivia
