Bad Bunny to Star in Residente's Directorial Debut 'PORTO RICO'

The epic Caribbean Western and historical drama will feature a star-studded cast including Viggo Mortensen, Javier Bardem, and Edward Norton.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Puerto Rican artists Residente and Bad Bunny are teaming up to tell the story of their home in an original historical drama. Residente, the Grammy winner known professionally as René Pérez Joglar, will make his directorial debut with 'PORTO RICO,' which is being described as an 'epic Caribbean Western and historical drama' inspired by true events. Bad Bunny, the artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is set to lead the starry cast.

Why it matters

This film represents an opportunity for Puerto Rican artists to tell the true story of their country's history, which Residente says has long been 'surrounded by controversy.' The involvement of high-profile Hollywood talent like Viggo Mortensen, Javier Bardem, and Edward Norton also signals that this project has significant backing and the potential to reach a wide audience.

The details

Residente co-wrote the script for 'PORTO RICO' with Alexander Dinelaris, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind 'Birdman.' The film will mark Bad Bunny's first leading role, though he has appeared in several supporting roles in movies recently. Oscar-winning Mexican filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu is executive producing, and the project has backing from Live Nation Entertainment.

  • Residente has dreamed of making a film about his home country of Puerto Rico since he was a child.

The players

Residente

A Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist who is making his directorial debut with 'PORTO RICO.'

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican artist who is set to lead the star-studded cast of 'PORTO RICO.'

Alejandro G. Iñárritu

An Oscar-winning Mexican filmmaker who is executive producing 'PORTO RICO.'

Edward Norton

An actor and producer who has signed on to produce 'PORTO RICO.'

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Residente (today.com)

“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.”

— Edward Norton, Producer (today.com)

What’s next

No details were available about when the film 'PORTO RICO' might shoot or be released.

The takeaway

This project represents an opportunity for Puerto Rican artists to reclaim the narrative around their country's history and culture, bringing their unique perspectives to the big screen with the support of high-profile Hollywood talent.