Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny has been cast in the leading role of Porto Rico, the feature directorial debut from rapper Residente. The film, an epic Caribbean western and historical drama, also features Viggo Mortensen, Edward Norton, and Javier Bardem. It explores Puerto Rico's complex colonial history through the story of 19th-century revolutionary José Maldonado Román.
Residente, whose real name is René Pérez Joglar, announced his first feature film as director on February 18, 2026. Porto Rico has been in development since 2023, with a screenplay co-written by Residente and Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris. The project centers on the life of José Maldonado Román, known as the Águila Blanca, a Puerto Rican revolutionary from the 19th century.
Described as confronting the archipelago's complex colonial history with a visually intense and emotionally raw lens, the film aims to portray an honest story of Puerto Rico's culture and identity. Live Nation is financing the production, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu is serving as executive producer.
Residente expressed his long-held passion for the project in a statement: "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."
Edward Norton, who stars in the film and acts as a producer, praised the endeavor: "This film 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 added about Residente: "Everybody knows what a poet of language and rhythm René is. Now, they’re going to see what a visual visionary he is as well. 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."
This marks Bad Bunny's first leading role in a feature film. He has previously appeared in Bullet Train alongside Brad Pitt, Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing, and Happy Gilmore 2. The announcement comes amid Bad Bunny's recent successes, including three Grammy wins at the 2026 ceremony—highlighted by Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos—and headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show.
Residente has prior experience behind the camera, having directed music videos for his group Calle 13 and solo work, as well as making his acting debut in the 2024 drama In the Summers.
