Bad Bunny to Lead Historical Drama ‘Porto Rico’ Directed by Residente
Bad Bunny is set to star in “PORTO RICO,” an epic historical drama marking his first leading film role. The film will be directed by René Pérez Joglar, known professionally as Residente, and will explore the history of Puerto Rico through a Caribbean Western lens.
A Star-Studded Cast and Visionary Director
Joining Bad Bunny in “PORTO RICO” are acclaimed actors Viggo Mortensen, Javier Bardem, and Edward Norton. The project also boasts Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the Oscar-winning director of “Birdman” and “The Revenant,” as an executive producer. Norton will also produce the film.
Residente, a 34-time Grammy and Latin Grammy Award winner, co-wrote the script with Academy Award-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris, known for his work on “Birdman.”
The Story of José Maldonado Román
“PORTO RICO” centers on the life of José Maldonado Román, a revolutionary figure from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, also known as “White Eagle.” Maldonado Román fought against Spanish colonizers and led uprisings against authorities in Puerto Rico.
The film will depict Maldonado Román’s participation in the Yauco Uprising of 1897, where approximately 300 rebels attempted to storm Spanish civil guard barracks, and the first public raising of the Puerto Rican flag. He was known for escaping imprisonment multiple times, earning him the nickname “magician.”
Residente’s Long-Held Dream
Residente expressed his deep connection to the project, stating, “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. This film is a reaffirmation of who we are – told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves.”
Bad Bunny’s Rising Film Career
While Bad Bunny has appeared in supporting roles in films like “Bullet Train” (2022) and “Caught Stealing” (2025), “PORTO RICO” represents a significant step forward in his acting career. He recently delivered a historic Super Bowl halftime performance that celebrated Puerto Rican culture and history.
Edward Norton commented on the project, stating that it “sits in a tradition of films we deeply love, from ‘The Godfather’ to ‘Gangs of New York,’ that both thrill us with visceral drama and iconic characters and eras while also forcing us to face up to the shadow story under the American narrative of idealism.” He also praised Residente as “a poet of language and rhythm” and a “visual visionary.”
Production Details
The film is being produced by 1868 Studios. No release date or further casting details have been announced as of February 19, 2026.