On February 20, 2026, Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican artist known for his music and wrestling career, has secured a major acting role in a film centered on Puerto Rico’s turbulent past. This new project highlights the artist’s continuing devotion to his heritage, following his impactful Super Bowl 2026 halftime show performance that celebrated Puerto Rican culture through cinematic and political imagery. The film’s narrative revolves around the island’s struggle for identity and freedom, marking a significant step in Bad Bunny’s expanding film career alongside famed actors like Javier Bardem.
A Powerful Story Directed by Residente
The movie, titled Porto Rico, will feature Bad Bunny as the lead character in a story unfolding against the backdrop of Puerto Rico’s colonial history. The film will mark the directorial debut of René Pérez Joglar, known as Residente, a fellow Puerto Rican rapper. Residente co-wrote the screenplay with Alexander Dinelaris, noted for his work on Birdman and The Revenant. He told Deadline,
“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,”
underlining the film’s intention to reveal complex truths about the island’s past. The production has been described as an
“epic Caribbean western and historical drama.”
Javier Bardem and Edward Norton Join the Cast
The film will be produced by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, a multi-Oscar-winning filmmaker. It centers on the fight led by Puerto Rican revolutionary José Maldonado Román against Spanish colonial rule during the late 19th century, at a time when the island was transitioning to U.S. control. José Maldonado Román commands a gang of ex-convicts in his battle to protect Puerto Rico’s identity and sovereignty. Alongside Bad Bunny, the cast features Spanish star Javier Bardem, Edward Norton, and Viggo Mortensen, with each actor’s character linked to their country of origin. This collaboration bridges Latin American and European talents, amplifying the film’s cultural significance.
Bad Bunny’s Expanding Career in Film and Music
This lead role in Porto Rico is a milestone in Bad Bunny’s acting journey, which has often intertwined with his musical projects. He has expressed a deep passion for cinema throughout his career, demonstrated by his grandiose, theatrical Super Bowl halftime show and the 2025 release of his album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOTos. That album was accompanied by a short film co-directed by Arí Maniel Cruz, reflecting on Puerto Rican heritage, family memories, and childhood experiences. Previously, Bad Bunny appeared in prominent roles such as the 2025 golf comedy Happy Gilmore 2, directed by Kyle Nuwacheck, starring Adam Sandler, and in Darren Aronofsky’s 2025 film Caught in the Trap, where he portrayed a Puerto Rican gangster alongside Austin Butler and Zoë Kravitz.
Collaboration With Brad Pitt and Other Notable Projects
Bad Bunny’s filmography includes the 2022 action thriller Bullet Train, where he starred opposite Brad Pitt as “The Wolf,” a Mexican assassin and gang leader. He has also taken supporting roles in films such as Cassandro (2023), a biopic about the openly gay Mexican wrestler Cassandro el Exótico, played by Gael García Bernal. Their on-screen interaction included a shared kiss, adding to the film’s poignant storytelling. Earlier appearances include roles in Fast & Furious 9 (2021) and American Sole (2021), showcasing his variety as an actor across genres.
Upcoming Release and Cultural Impact
Though the release date for Porto Rico has not been announced, the film is highly anticipated for its portrayal of Puerto Rico’s history through a vivid and dramatic lens. With the involvement of celebrated artists such as Javier Bardem, Edward Norton, and Viggo Mortensen, as well as the vision of Residente and Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the project promises to be a compelling addition to cinematic discussions about colonialism, identity, and resistance. Bad Bunny’s starring role highlights his evolving presence within the entertainment industry beyond music, cementing his influence on both cultural and political narratives related to his roots.
