Bad Bunny to Lead Residente’s “Porto Rico” Film with Norton, Bardem
Updated (2 articles)
Casting and Lead Role Confirmed: Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) will headline the upcoming feature, marking his first leading‑role performance after supporting parts in Bullet Train and Caught Stealing [1][2]. He is joined by Hollywood veterans Edward Norton, Javier Bardem and Viggo Mortensen, all confirmed in the cast announcements [2]. The ensemble underscores a blend of Puerto Rican and international talent aimed at broad appeal.
Residente’s Historical Vision Unveiled: Grammy‑winning rapper René Pérez Joglar, known as Residente, makes his directorial debut with PORTO RICO, described as an “epic Caribbean Western” that dramatizes the 19th‑century insurgent José Maldonado Román, alias Águila Blanca [1][2]. Residente frames the film as a love letter and a “reaffirmation” of Puerto Rican identity, intending to portray the island’s contested past with intensity and honesty [1][2]. The screenplay, begun in early 2023, was co‑written with Oscar‑winner Alexander Dinelaris, adding narrative depth.
High‑Profile Production Backing Secured: Alejandro G. Iñárritu serves as executive producer, lending Oscar‑winning credibility and overseeing the project’s creative direction [1][2]. Edward Norton also joins as a producer, while Live Nation Entertainment provides financing, reflecting heavyweight industry support [2]. The involvement of Iñárritu and Dinelaris signals a commitment to high‑quality historical drama.
Development Timeline Remains Vague: The film has been in development since early 2023, with the screenplay completed but filming dates and a release window still undisclosed [1][2]. Both outlets note that production schedules and distribution plans have not been announced, leaving the project’s rollout uncertain.
Sources
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1.
BBC: Bad Bunny Leads New Puerto Rico‑Focused Film with Edward Norton and Javier Bardem – Highlights Bad Bunny’s first lead role, Residente’s directorial intent as a love letter, the historical basis on José Maldonado Román, and Iñárritu’s executive production role .
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2.
CNN: Bad Bunny Leads Residente’s Directorial Debut “PORTO RICO” – Emphasizes the “epic Caribbean Western” genre, co‑writing with Alexander Dinelaris, Live Nation financing, and the lack of disclosed production or release dates .
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Timeline
Mid‑1800s – José Maldonado Román, known as Águila Blanca, leads a 19th‑century insurgency against Spanish colonial rule in Puerto Rico, providing the historical foundation for the film’s story. [1]
Early 2023 – René Pérez (Joglar) Residente begins writing the screenplay for “PORTO RICO,” co‑authoring with Oscar‑winner Alexander Dinelaris to craft an epic Caribbean Western based on Román’s life. [1][2]
2023 – Alejandro G. Iñárritu signs on as executive producer, adding Oscar‑winning credibility and signaling high‑profile backing for the project. [1]
Early 2026 (Feb) – Bad Bunny headlines the Super Bowl halftime show, showcasing Puerto Rican culture and drawing global attention to the island’s contested history that the upcoming film will explore. [2]
Feb 18, 2026 – Residente publicly announces his directorial debut “PORTO RICO,” calling it a lifelong dream to portray Puerto Rico’s contested past and confirming Bad Bunny’s first leading role alongside Viggo Mortensen, Javier Bardem and Edward Norton. [2]
Feb 19, 2026 – Residente says the film “reaffirms who we are – told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves,” emphasizing its role as a love letter to Puerto Rican identity. [1]
Feb 19, 2026 – Edward Norton frames the movie within a tradition of gritty historical dramas, likening it to The Godfather and Gangs of New York and noting it forces audiences “to face up to the shadow story under the American narrative of idealism.” [1]
Feb 19, 2026 – Production schedule and release date remain undisclosed, with filming dates and distribution plans yet to be announced. [2]