Bad Bunny Lands First Lead Film Role

Singer to star in epic Caribbean Western about Puerto Rico's origins directed by Residente

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Music superstar Bad Bunny, known for his stage name and recent Super Bowl halftime show performance, will headline the historical drama "Porto Rico" in his first lead film role. The project is the feature directing debut of fellow Puerto Rican rapper Residente, and is billed as an "epic Caribbean Western" rooted in the island's early history, with Edward Norton, Javier Bardem, and Viggo Mortensen set to co-star.

Why it matters

This marks a major career milestone for Bad Bunny, who has previously only had supporting roles in films. The project also represents an ambitious attempt by Residente, a renowned musician in his own right, to confront Puerto Rico's controversial past through an epic cinematic lens.

The details

Residente co-wrote the film with Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris, and director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu is on board as executive producer. Residente said the movie aims to address Puerto Rico's history "with intensity and honesty." The film is being produced through Residente's 1868 Studios venture with Sony, alongside Live Nation Studios and Norton's Class 5 Films.

  • Bad Bunny recently performed at the Super Bowl halftime show.

The players

Bad Bunny

A music superstar, known for his stage name, who will headline the historical drama "Porto Rico" in his first lead film role.

Residente

A fellow Puerto Rican rapper who is making his feature directing debut with "Porto Rico," an "epic Caribbean Western" rooted in the island's early history.

Edward Norton

An actor who is set to co-star in "Porto Rico."

Javier Bardem

An actor who is set to co-star in "Porto Rico."

Viggo Mortensen

An actor who is set to co-star in "Porto Rico."

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What they’re saying

“Pairing Residente and Bad Bunny on Puerto Rico's origin story will be like a flame finding the stick of dynamite.”

— Edward Norton (Variety)

“The movie aims to confront what I call Puerto Rico's controversial past with intensity and honesty.”

— Rene Perez Joglar (Residente), Director (Variety)

What’s next

No official plot synopsis has been announced, and it's not clear when the film might start production or be released.

The takeaway

This project represents a significant career milestone for Bad Bunny, who is transitioning from music superstardom to leading a high-profile historical drama. It also showcases the ambition of Residente, a renowned musician, to tackle Puerto Rico's complex history through an epic cinematic lens.