El Mariachi is the central character from Robert Rodriguez's 'Mexico Trilogy,' comprising 'El Mariachi' (1992), 'Desperado' (1995), and 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico' (2003). The films follow a wandering guitarist who becomes embroiled in conflicts with drug cartels. The character, portrayed by Carlos Gallardo in the first film and Antonio Banderas in the sequels, became an iconic action hero of 1990s cinema. 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico' is the final chapter of this trilogy.