Bad Bunny Lands First Leading Film Role in Porto Rico Historical Drama Directed by Residente
Bad Bunny is stepping into a powerful new chapter of his career. The global music superstar is officially taking on his first leading movie role in a historical drama about Puerto Rico. The project, titled Porto Rico, will be directed by fellow Puerto Rican artist Residente, marking an exciting collaboration between two of the island’s most influential voices.
With an impressive cast and a story rooted in history, this film is already generating serious buzz.
Keep reading to learn everything we know about Bad Bunny’s first lead role, the star-studded cast, and why this film could be a major cultural moment.
Bad Bunny Enters His Leading Man Era
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has built a career breaking barriers in music. Now, at 31, he is ready to take center stage in the film world.
The Grammy-winning artist will star in Porto Rico, a feature-length historical drama set in his home country. This marks his first time leading a major motion picture. While he has appeared in films before, this is the first time he will carry a project as the main star.
The film is directed by Residente, whose real name is René Pérez Joglar. Porto Rico will be his directorial debut. Known for his work as a pioneering member of Calle 13 and for his solo career, Residente is now stepping behind the camera to tell a deeply personal story.
A Star-Studded Cast Joins the Historical Epic
Porto Rico is not just about two powerhouse Puerto Rican artists joining forces. The film also features an impressive lineup of Hollywood talent.
According to Deadline, the cast includes Viggo Mortensen, Edward Norton, and Javier Bardem. The project is also executive-produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
With such a respected group of actors and creatives involved, expectations for the film are already high. The combination of international stars and Puerto Rican storytelling gives Porto Rico both global appeal and cultural depth.
Telling the True Story of Puerto Rico’s Roots
Residente has long been vocal about Puerto Rican identity and history. In a statement shared with Deadline, he spoke about what this project means to him.
“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 said. “This film is a reaffirmation of who we are — told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves.”
His words make it clear that Porto Rico is more than just a movie. It is a passion project rooted in pride and cultural truth. The film aims to explore the island’s history in a way that is bold and emotionally powerful.
Edward Norton also shared his thoughts on the project. He said in a statement, “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.”
Norton continued, “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. 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.”
Those powerful endorsements highlight the ambition behind the film and the belief that it could make a strong impact both artistically and culturally.
Bad Bunny’s Growing Acting Career
While Porto Rico marks his first leading role, Bad Bunny is no stranger to acting. He made his on-screen debut in 2021 with appearances in F9 and the television series Narcos: Mexico.
In 2022, he appeared in the ensemble action film Bullet Train. The following year, he starred in Cassandro alongside Gael García Bernal.
Most recently, he appeared in the 2025 Darren Aronofsky film Caught Stealing and returned to host Saturday Night Live to kick off season 51.
Each role has shown a different side of his talent, but Porto Rico represents his biggest acting opportunity to date.
A Creative Reunion Between Bad Bunny and Residente
This is not the first time Bad Bunny and Residente have collaborated. In 2019, the two teamed up on the single Bellacoso, which appeared on Residente’s second solo album following his groundbreaking work with Calle 13.
Speaking to PEOPLE in 2019, Pérez Joglar recalled how the collaboration came together. “We were hanging out, and one day it was, ‘Hey, we can do a song, you know?’ When it’s organic, it’s better, and we just wanted to have fun,” he said.
That organic chemistry now moves from music to film, with both artists bringing their shared passion for Puerto Rico to the big screen.
Following a Historic Super Bowl Performance
The film news comes shortly after Bad Bunny delivered a historic performance at the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 8. Held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the show marked the first halftime performance entirely in Spanish.
The set featured a medley of his biggest hits and included guest appearances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, along with celebrity cameos from Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Jessica Alba, Karol G, and Young Miko.
Now, with Porto Rico on the horizon, Bad Bunny continues to expand his influence beyond music. From topping charts to headlining major films, he is proving that his creative reach has no limits.
Summary:
- Bad Bunny has landed his first leading movie role in the upcoming historical drama Porto Rico.
- The film will be directed by Residente, marking his directorial debut.
- Porto Rico will focus on the true history and roots of Puerto Rico.
- The cast includes Viggo Mortensen, Edward Norton, and Javier Bardem.
- The project is executive-produced by Oscar-winning Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
- Residente said, “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.”
- Edward Norton described the film as a powerful historical drama that will explore Puerto Rico’s roots with intensity and honesty.
- This marks Bad Bunny’s biggest acting role to date, following appearances in F9, Narcos: Mexico, Bullet Train, Cassandro, and Caught Stealing.
- The film reunites Bad Bunny and Residente, who previously collaborated on the 2019 single “Bellacoso.”
- The announcement follows Bad Bunny’s historic Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, which was the first entirely in Spanish.
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