Residente Teams Up with Bad Bunny for Historical Film ‘Porto Rico’, Featuring Edward Norton, Javier Bardem, and Viggo Mortensen
René “Residente” Pérez Joglar Gears Up for Directorial Debut with Porto Rico
In an exciting development for the film community, renowned rapper and 34-time Grammy and Latin Grammy Award winner René “Residente” Pérez Joglar has announced his feature directorial debut, Porto Rico. This film, a heartfelt tribute to his native Puerto Rico, is poised to make a significant impact in the cinematic landscape.
Porto Rico is described as an epic Caribbean western and historical drama, featuring Benito “Bad Bunny” Martínez Ocasio—known for films like Bullet Train and Caught Stealing—in his first leading role. The cast also includes esteemed actors Viggo Mortensen (Eastern Promises, Captain Fantastic), Edward Norton (American History X, Birdman), and Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men). Multi-Oscar-winning director and producer Alejandro G. Iñárritu will serve as executive producer.
While the film’s storyline remains under wraps, its promotional materials suggest a blend of historical depth and gripping narrative, inspired by true events. “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,” Residente stated. “This film is a reaffirmation of who we are — told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Bad Bunny’s acclaimed Super Bowl halftime show on February 8, where he honored Puerto Rico, his birthplace. The performance, celebrated for its cultural authenticity, attracted an audience of 128.2 million viewers and amplified flight searches to Puerto Rico by 245% in the following days, according to Expedia.
Despite their generational differences, Residente and Bad Bunny share a deep commitment to their homeland and community, as well as a passion for activism.
A brief historical context highlights that Puerto Rico, originally named Borikén by the indigenous Taino people, was colonized by Spain in 1493. After the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory on December 10, 1898, with U.S. citizenship granted to its residents in 1917 via the Jones Act.
Notably, under U.S. governance, Puerto Rico was referred to as Porto Rico from 1900 to 1932, when Congress passed legislation to revert to its original Spanish name.
The film’s diverse cast, including Bardem from Spain and American actors Norton and Mortensen—who are fluent in Spanish—incorporates a broader cultural narrative. “This film sits in a tradition of films we deeply love… while also forcing us to face up to the shadow story under the American narrative of idealism,” Norton remarked, underscoring the significance of Residente’s talent as a filmmaker. “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.”
Produced by Residente and Erick Douât for 1868 Studios, the film aims to elevate Latin culture and storytelling globally, developed through a multi-year joint venture with Sony Music Latin-Iberia. Class 5 Films, co-founded by Norton, joins the production, which has previously been involved in acclaimed features and documentaries, including The Painted Veil and Motherless Brooklyn.
Porto Rico is backed by Live Nation Studios and strategic partners such as the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative and others. The film is also supported by UTA Independent Film Group, which is handling sales.
Representation for the film’s key players includes Erick Douat for Residente, UTA and manager Noah Assad for Bad Bunny, and UTA for Mortensen, Norton, and Bardem.
As anticipation builds, Porto Rico is set to resonate with audiences through its authentic portrayal of Puerto Rican history and culture.
