Grammy-winning Puerto Rican rapper René Pérez Joglar, widely known as Residente, is making his feature directorial debut with the historical drama “Porto Rico.” The film will feature global music sensation Bad Bunny in his first leading role on the big screen, following his memorable appearances in “Bullet Train” alongside Brad Pitt and Darren Aronofsky’s “Caught Stealing.” “Porto Rico” is described as an “epic Caribbean western” and a “gripping narrative inspired by true events” that delves into the origins of Puerto Rico, although an official logline for the movie has not yet been revealed.

The star-studded cast for “Porto Rico” includes notable actors such as Edward Norton, Javier Bardem, and Viggo Mortensen. Pérez Joglar co-wrote the screenplay with Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris, known for his work on “Birdman” and “The Revenant.” Adding further prestige to the project, influential director Alejandro González Iñárritu, also celebrated for “Birdman” and “The Revenant,” is serving as an executive producer for the film.

Residente expressed a profound personal connection to the project, stating, “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.” He emphasized the film’s mission: “This film is a reaffirmation of who we are — told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves.” This commitment highlights the film's dedication to providing an authentic portrayal of the island's complex past.

“Porto Rico” is being produced by Pérez Joglar and Erick Douât through 1868 Studios, a joint venture established by Pérez Joglar, Sony Music Latin-Iberia, and Sony Music Vision with the aim of developing, producing, and distributing original content focused on “authentic, culturally driven storytelling.” Edward Norton and Bill Migliore, alongside Michael Bederman, are also producing the film for Class 5 Films, a company with a strong portfolio of features and documentaries including “The Painted Veil,” “Motherless Brooklyn,” and “By the People: The Election of Barack Obama.” Norton praised the film’s ambition, comparing it to revered works like “The Godfather” and “Gangs of New York” for its ability to combine visceral drama with iconic characters while confronting the “shadow story under the American narrative of idealism.” He also lauded Residente’s transition from a poet of language to a “visual visionary” and anticipated the powerful synergy of bringing him and Bad Bunny together to tell Puerto Rico’s true story.

The production of “Porto Rico” is backed by Live Nation Studios, Class 5 Films, and strategic partners including the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, Mike and Sukey Novogratz, and Noah Assad. UTA Independent Film Group is handling sales for the movie. This leading role for Bad Bunny comes amidst a period of significant career milestones; in February, he headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show, a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture that garnered an impressive average of 128.2 million viewers. Earlier that same month, he made Grammy history as the first Spanish-language artist to win album of the year for his album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” further cementing his status as a global cultural icon.