Bad Bunny to Star in First Lead Film Role in Historical Drama ‘Porto Rico’
Global music star Bad Bunny is set to take on his first leading film role in the historical drama “Porto Rico.” The movie marks a major step in his acting career after supporting roles in Bullet Train and Caught Stealing.
The film will be directed by Grammy-winning Puerto Rican rapper Residente (René Pérez Joglar), making his feature film debut. The cast also includes Edward Norton, Javier Bardem, and Viggo Mortensen.
An “Epic Caribbean Western”
“Porto Rico” is described as an epic Caribbean western inspired by true events about the origins of Puerto Rico. While full plot details have not yet been revealed, the film promises an intense and dramatic retelling of the island’s early history.
Residente co-wrote the screenplay with Alexander Dinelaris, known for his Oscar-winning work on Birdman and The Revenant. Acclaimed director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu will serve as executive producer.
“I have dreamed of making a film about my country since I was a child,” Pérez Joglar said in a statement. “Puerto Rico’s true history has always been surrounded by controversy. This film is a reaffirmation of who we are — told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves.”
Production and Backing
The project will be produced through 1868 Studios, a joint venture between Pérez Joglar, Sony Music Latin-Iberia, and Sony Music Vision focused on culturally driven storytelling.
Norton will also produce through Class 5 Films. Speaking about the project, Norton said the film fits into a tradition of powerful historical dramas that explore deeper truths behind America’s past. He also praised Residente’s creative vision and expressed excitement about bringing him together with Bad Bunny to tell Puerto Rico’s story.
UTA Independent Film Group is handling sales for the film.
A Big Year for Bad Bunny
The film announcement caps off a major month for Bad Bunny. He recently headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show, delivering a celebration of Puerto Rican culture that drew more than 128 million viewers, according to Nielsen.
Earlier this month, he also made Grammy history as the first Spanish-language artist to win Album of the Year for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.”
With “Porto Rico,” Bad Bunny now adds leading man in a major historical drama to his growing list of achievements.
