Residente (born René Pérez Joglar) will make his feature film directorial debut with Porto Rico, a historical drama starring Bad Bunny in his first leading role, it was announced on Wednesday (Feb. 18).
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Described in a press release as an “epic Caribbean western,” the film will also feature performances by Oscar winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) and Academy Award nominees Viggo Mortensen (Eastern Promises) and Edward Norton (American History X, A Complete Unknown), with more cast members to be announced.
“I’ve dreamed of making a film about my country since I was a child. The true story of Puerto Rico has always been surrounded by controversy,” Residente said in a statement. “This film is a reaffirmation of who we are, told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves.”
Cowritten by Residente and Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), Porto Rico “combines a large-scale historical narrative with a visceral and lyrical approach, in a powerful story inspired by true events,” according to the press release.
Residente and Erick Douât are producing through 1868 Studios. Norton and Bill Migliore, along with Michael Bederman, are producing for Class 5 Films. The film is backed by Live Nation Studios, Class 5 Films and strategic partners, including the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, Mike and Sukey Novogratz, and Noah Assad. Mexican Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu serves as executive producer along with Scott Budnick and his label 1Community, Mike Novogratz, Sukey Novogratz, José E. Feliciano, Kwanza Jones, Henry R. Muñoz III, and Noah Assad. UTA Independent Film Group is representing international sales.
Regarding his decision to produce the project, Norton said in a statement: “This film falls within a tradition of movies we deeply love, from The Godfather to Gangs of New York, that impact us with visceral drama and iconic characters and eras, but also force us to confront the shadow history underlying the American narrative of idealism. Everyone knows René as a poet of language and rhythm. Now they will also see the visual visionary he is. And bringing him together with Bad Bunny to tell the true story of Puerto Rico’s roots will be like a flame meeting the dynamite cartridge that’s been waiting for it.”
Throughout his career, Residente — winner of 29 Latin Grammys and four Grammys as part of the duo Calle 13 and as a solo artist — has directed most of his music videos, including the award-winning “Atrévete-te-te,” “La Perla,” “Calma Pueblo,” “This Is Not America” and “313,” as well as short films such as Quiero Ser Baladista and Bajo y Batería, and his self-titled documentary Residente. Porto Rico will be his first fiction feature film.
In 2024, the artist made his acting debut in the independent film In the Summers, by Alessandra Lacorazza, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the grand jury prize.
Bad Bunny, meanwhile, has appeared in Hollywood productions such as Bullet Train (2022), Happy Gilmore 2 (2025) and Caught Stealing (2025), as well as Cassandro (2023). He has also made multiple guest appearances on Saturday Night Live.
