Bad Bunny to Star in Film Inspired by Puerto Rican Revolutionary

Global music star Bad Bunny will take on his first leading film role in the historical drama Porto Rico. The cast also includes Javier Bardem and Edward Norton.

René Pérez, known as Residente, directs the project. Producers have developed the film since 2023. The story draws inspiration from José Maldonado Román, a revolutionary figure from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

A Story Grounded in Puerto Rico’s History

Porto Rico explores the life of Maldonado Román, also known as Águila Blanca. He fought Spanish colonial rule and led uprisings against authorities. His actions shaped an important chapter in Puerto Rico’s history.

Today, Puerto Rico operates as a self-governing territory of the United States. Debates about its political status continue. The filmmakers aim to connect past struggles with present identity.

Residente said he has wanted to tell this story since childhood. He believes Puerto Rico’s history deserves a direct and honest portrayal.

Strong Cast and Production Team

The film also features Viggo Mortensen. Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu serves as executive producer. He previously directed Birdman and The Revenant.

Edward Norton compared the project to classics such as The Godfather and Gangs of New York. He said the film blends powerful storytelling with deeper reflection on history.

Norton also praised the collaboration between Residente and Bad Bunny. He believes their partnership will bring energy and vision to the project.

A Breakthrough Year for Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny has already built a strong presence in film. He appeared in Bullet Train and Caught Stealing. However, Porto Rico marks his first role as a leading actor.

The film arrives after a major year for the artist. He headlined the Super Bowl halftime show and won Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry ranked him the fifth most popular artist worldwide in 2025.

With this project, Bad Bunny expands his career into cinema while highlighting Puerto Rico’s historical legacy.