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Bad Bunny Takes Center Stage in “Porto Rico,” an Epic Caribbean Western
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny is set to make his leading role debut in the upcoming film “Porto Rico,” an “epic Caribbean western and historical drama.” The highly anticipated feature will also mark the directorial debut of fellow Puerto Rican artist René Pérez Joglar, widely known as Residente.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Martínez Ocasio, will star alongside a stellar cast that includes Javier Bardem, Viggo Mortensen, and Edward Norton. The film, currently in pre-production with an unannounced release date, promises to delve into a story of Puerto Rico based on true historical events.
Residente, a 34-time Latin Grammy and Grammy-award winning rapper and actor, recently garnered attention for his role in “Frank & Louis,” which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. He and Bad Bunny are long-time collaborators and friends, bringing their shared passion for their homeland’s history to this cinematic endeavor.
“I have dreamed of making a film about my country since I was a child. Puerto Rico’s true history has always been surrounded by controversy,” Pérez Joglar stated in a news release. “This film is a reaffirmation of who we are – told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves.”
While “Porto Rico” marks Bad Bunny’s first lead, the artist has been building his acting resume with appearances in notable films such as Darren Aronofsky’s “Caught Stealing” and the upcoming “Happy Gilmore 2,” where he stars alongside Adam Sandler and Travis Kelce.
The film boasts an impressive creative team, with Oscar-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu serving as executive producer. Pérez Joglar co-wrote the screenplay with Academy Award-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris, known for his work on “Birdman,” which was directed by Iñárritu and featured Norton.
Edward Norton, who is also producing the film, drew parallels between “Porto Rico” and iconic cinematic works like “The Godfather” and “Gangs of New York.” “Everybody knows what a poet of language and rhythm René is,” Norton commented in the news release.
“Now they’re going to see what a visual visionary he is as well. And bringing him and Bad Bunny together to tell the true story of Puerto Rico’s roots is going to be like a flame finding the stick of dynamite that’s been waiting for it.”
The collaboration between Bad Bunny and Residente extends beyond the screen. The two artists have consistently used their platforms to advocate for Puerto Rico and its rich history.
In 2019, they were prominent figures in protests demanding the resignation of then-Gov. Ricardo Rosselló following corruption allegations and a controversial group chat.
Just this month, Residente publicly congratulated Bad Bunny on social media after his Super Bowl halftime show performance, sharing a series of photos of them together over the years with the heartfelt message, “Orgulloso de ti” (I’m proud of you). This shared pride and deep connection to their Puerto Rican heritage are expected to infuse “Porto Rico” with a powerful and authentic narrative.