Bad Bunny Takes Center Stage: First Lead Role in Star-Studded ‘Porto Rico’ With Edward Norton and Javier Bardem

Bad Bunny is stepping into his first leading film role with the historical drama “Porto Rico,” a project that brings together a powerhouse cast including Edward Norton, Javier Bardem, and Viggo Mortensen.

The film is directed by Grammy-winning Puerto Rican rapper René Pérez Joglar, known as Residente, marking his feature film debut. According to Variety and Deadline, the movie has been described as an “epic Caribbean western” inspired by the true origins of Puerto Rico.

Pérez Joglar co-wrote the screenplay with Alexander Dinelaris, the Oscar-winning writer behind “Birdman” and “The Revenant,” while acclaimed director Alejandro González Iñárritu serves as executive producer. “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,” Pérez Joglar said. “This film is a reaffirmation of who we are — told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves.”

The movie is being produced through 1868 Studios, a joint venture created by Pérez Joglar and Sony Music to focus on culturally driven storytelling. Edward Norton and Bill Migliore, along with Michael Bederman, are producing through Class 5 Films, which has previously produced features like “Motherless Brooklyn” and “The Painted Veil.”

Norton added, “Everybody knows what a poet of language and rhythm René is. Now they’re going to see what a visual visionary he is as well. 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.”

“Porto Rico” is supported by Live Nation Studios, Class 5 Films, and other partners including the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, Mike and Sukey Novogratz, and Noah Assad. UTA Independent Film Group is handling sales.

This announcement comes after a busy month for Bad Bunny. He recently headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show alongside Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, which drew an average of 128.2 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched halftime performances ever. Earlier in February, he also became the first Spanish-language artist to win the Grammy for Album of the Year with “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.”

This project marks a major step for Bad Bunny as he transitions from standout supporting roles in films like “Bullet Train” and Darren Aronofsky’s “Caught Stealing” into leading roles. With a talented cast and an acclaimed creative team, “Porto Rico” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026.

It’s exciting to see Bad Bunny taking on a leading role in a film that celebrates Puerto Rican history. Pairing him with established stars like Norton and Bardem gives the project serious weight. I’m curious to see how his performance will translate from music and supporting roles to a full-fledged dramatic lead. What do you think about Bad Bunny taking on this historic role? Share your thoughts in the comments.