Bad Bunny is stepping into a new role, and it’s a big one. Fresh off his electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance, he will star in Porto Rico, a film that pays tribute to his home, Puerto Rico. This movie is directed by the talented René “Residente” Pérez Joglar, who has a strong vision for storytelling.
The cast features renowned actors like Viggo Mortensen, Javier Bardem, and Edward Norton. Alejandro G. Iñárritu, known for acclaimed films like Birdman and The Revenant, is an executive producer. This collaboration promises an exciting blend of talent.
The film, which has been in development since 2023, focuses on José Maldonado Román, a revolutionary from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was known as Águila Blanca (White Eagle) for his fight against Spanish rule in Puerto Rico. Maldonado led significant uprisings, including the Yauco Uprising in 1897, where the Puerto Rican flag was famously raised for the first time. He was often seen as a bandit, and his several prison escapes earned him the nickname “the magician.”
Residente shared his passion for the project, stating, “I have dreamed of making a film about my country since I was a child. This film is a reaffirmation of who we are.” The film aims to tell Puerto Rico’s true history with depth and honesty, something that has long been overlooked.
Bad Bunny’s previous roles have been in supporting characters, but Porto Rico is his largest project so far. In 2022, he battled Brad Pitt in Bullet Train, showcasing his versatility. Last year, he starred alongside Austin Butler in Caught Stealing, and now he’s ready for a leading role that speaks to his roots.
Edward Norton described the film as a blend of thrilling drama and significant historical context, comparing it to classics like The Godfather and Gangs of New York. He believes this collaboration will create something explosive and memorable.
The hype around Bad Bunny is also evident from his halftime show, which drew 128.2 million viewers and set social media records. Clips of his performance reached over 4 billion views. Reviews praised it for celebrating Puerto Rican culture and history.
In a world keen on storytelling, Porto Rico stands as a beacon for history, art, and culture, shining a light on a narrative that deserves attention. It connects the past with the present, allowing audiences to reflect on Puerto Rico’s rich heritage.
