Disappointing Bunny to Star in René Pérez Joglar’s Directorial Debut, “Porto Rico”

After a triumphant Grammy Awards and a history-making Super Bowl halftime performance, Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny is set to lead a star-studded cast in the historical drama “Porto Rico.” The film marks the directorial debut of René Pérez Joglar, known professionally as Residente.

A Caribbean Western and Historical Epic

Described as a blend of a Caribbean western and a historical drama, “Porto Rico” will tell the story of José Maldonado Román, known as “Aguila Blanca” (White Eagle), a revolutionary who fought against colonialism in the late 19th century . The film will also feature Academy Award winners Viggo Mortensen (“Eastern Promises,” “Captain Fantastic,” “Green Book”), Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men”), and Edward Norton (“American History X,” “Birdman,” “A Complete Unknown”) .

A Longtime Collaboration

Pérez Joglar and Benito Martínez Ocasio, known as Bad Bunny, are longtime collaborators and friends . The film’s script was co-written by Pérez Joglar and Academy Award-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris (“Birdman”) .

A Personal Project for Residente

“I have dreamed of making a film about my country since I was a child,” Pérez Joglar stated . “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 Details

“Porto Rico” is being produced by Pérez Joglar and Erick Douât through 1868 Studios, with Edward Norton and Bill Migliore, alongside Michael Bederman, producing for Class 5 Films . The film has the backing of Live Nation Studios, Class 5 Films, and strategic partners, including the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, Mike and Sukey Novogratz, and Noah Assad. Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the Oscar-winning director, serves as an executive producer alongside Scott Budnick and his 1Community label, Mike Novogratz, Sukey Novogratz, José E. Feliciano, Kwanza Jones, Henry R. Muñoz III, and Noah Assad . UTA Independent Film Group is handling international sales.

Bad Bunny’s Expanding Film Career

Although “Porto Rico” marks Bad Bunny’s first leading role, the artist has previously appeared in films such as Darren Aronofsky’s “Caught Stealing” and “Happy Gilmore 2,” alongside Adam Sandler and Travis Kelce .