Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has been cast in his first leading movie role in Porto Rico, an epic Caribbean western and historical drama directed by fellow Puerto Rican artist Residente. The announcement, made on February 18, marks a major career milestone for the global music icon, who will portray Jose Maldonado Roman, a revolutionary known as Aguila Blanca (White Eagle) who fought against Spanish colonialism in late 19th-century Puerto Rico.
The film boasts an extraordinary ensemble cast alongside Bad Bunny, including Academy Award winners Javier Bardem and Viggo Mortensen, as well as Edward Norton. The screenplay has been co-written by Residente and Alexander Dinelaris, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind Birdman. Acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, the visionary director of Birdman and The Revenant, is serving as executive producer on the project.
Porto Rico tells the story of Aguila Blanca, a legendary figure who led armed uprisings against Spanish colonial authorities in Puerto Rico during the 1890s. The film is described as a sweeping blend of western and historical drama set against the lush Caribbean landscape, exploring themes of resistance, identity, and the fight for self-determination. Residente, whose real name is Rene Perez Joglar, is making his feature directorial debut with the project, bringing his Grammy Award-winning artistic sensibility to the big screen.
The announcement carries particular significance coming on the heels of Bad Bunny's triumphant Super Bowl halftime performance and his continued dominance at the Grammy Awards. While the reggaeton and Latin trap star has previously appeared in supporting roles in films such as Bullet Train and the recent Happy Gilmore sequel, Porto Rico represents his first time carrying a major motion picture as the lead. Industry observers have noted that the casting underscores his evolution from music phenomenon to multimedia entertainment powerhouse.
Live Nation Entertainment is backing the production, signaling major financial investment in the project. The combination of Bad Bunny's massive global fanbase, an all-star cast of Oscar-caliber actors, and the involvement of Inarritu as executive producer has generated significant anticipation across the entertainment industry. Film analysts have suggested that Porto Rico could become one of the most culturally significant Latin American-themed productions in recent Hollywood history.
The project also holds deep personal meaning for both Bad Bunny and Residente, who have been vocal advocates for Puerto Rican culture, independence, and identity throughout their careers. By telling the story of Aguila Blanca, they aim to bring a largely overlooked chapter of Puerto Rican resistance history to a global audience. No production timeline or release date has yet been announced, but the film is expected to begin shooting later this year.
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