Bad Bunny to Star in ‘Porto Rico,’ a Film Directed by Residente Reimagining Puerto Rico’s History

Bad Bunny is set to make his feature film debut in a groundbreaking new project, Porto Rico, directed by Residente. Marking the first leading role for the Puerto Rican superstar, the film also boasts a star-studded cast including Viggo Mortensen, Javier Bardem, and Edward Norton.

Porto Rico promises a visceral reimagining of Puerto Rico’s history from a distinctly Puerto Rican perspective. The story confronts official narratives, highlighting cultural identity and historical truth, while tackling themes of power, political tension, and structural violence. Edward Norton has compared the film’s tone to classics like The Godfather and Gangs of New York, hinting at a story as complex and intense as it is culturally resonant.

The screenplay is co-written by Residente and Alexander Dinelaris, the Oscar-winning writer of Birdman, ensuring a narrative that blends historical insight with cinematic flair.

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Production is led by Residente and Erick Douât under 1868 Studios, in partnership with Sony Music Latin-Iberia and Sony Music Vision. Additional producers include Edward Norton, Bill Migliore, and Michael Bederman of Class 5 Films, with acclaimed filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu involved as an executive producer. UTA Independent Film Group is handling international sales, positioning Porto Rico as one of the most ambitious Latin American projects in recent years.

Both Residente and Bad Bunny have a history of activism, including their participation in protests against Governor Ricardo Rosselló in 2019. With Porto Rico, they aim to shed light on the island’s “hidden history” and challenge dominant historical narratives.

When Will Porto Rico with Bad Bunny Be Released?

While no official release date has been announced, Porto Rico is likely to premiere between 2026 and 2027. Given the high-profile cast, production scale, and the cultural significance of the project, anticipation is already building for what could become one of the most talked-about Latin American films in recent memory.

The Meaning Behind 'Porto Rico'

The title Porto Rico is far more than a simple name. It seems to reference a historical error from the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which incorrectly spelled Puerto Rico’s official name.

By choosing this title, Residente and Bad Bunny underscore how official histories can distort a people’s identity. The name serves as both an act of historical resistance and a powerful reaffirmation of Puerto Rican culture, signaling that the film will confront and reinterpret the narratives that have long defined the island’s past.