Bad Bunny is set to make a major leap from global music superstar to leading actor in a historic film project called Porto Rico and this film has become one of the most talked‑about upcoming releases because of its vision, its cast, and what it means culturally for Puerto Rico.
Porto Rico will be Bad Bunny’s first time in a lead role in a feature film. He is starring in the movie alongside actors like Viggo Mortensen Edward Norton and Javier Bardem. The project is directed by Residente who is making his feature film directorial debut and Oscar‑winning filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu is attached as an executive producer. Industry reporting describes the film as an epic Caribbean historical drama that centers on Puerto Rico’s identity and struggles in the early decades of the 20th century, inspired by figures like José Maldonado Román known as Águila Blanca. The title Porto Rico references how the island’s name was written during that historical period and signals that the story will explore moments of political and cultural change in Puerto Rico’s past.
Residente co‑wrote the screenplay with Alexander Dinelaris who also worked on Birdman. Residente has spoken publicly about how this project reflects a long‑held desire to tell Puerto Rican stories on a major cinematic scale and how he wants the film to be honest about history and identity.
While the film’s subject matter is deeply rooted in Puerto Rican history many of the conversations around Porto Rico right now are focused on where the film might actually be shot. Puerto Rico has long offered film incentives to attract major productions but local film industry leaders and unions have publicly expressed concern that the incentives offered for Porto Rico have not been sufficient or timely. Those leaders argue that if the project does not film on the island it would mean missing out on economic opportunities for local workers and for the wider Puerto Rican film ecosystem. Some reports indicate that the production is exploring filming in the Dominican Republic where incentive programs are more competitive and already being used by large productions. That potential decision has sparked debate among artists and industry professionals on the island who say a movie telling Puerto Rican stories should be made in Puerto Rico.
As of now there has been no official announcement about when filming for Porto Rico will begin. No confirmed production start date has been released by the studio or production team and no official theatrical release date has been shared either. Given the scale of the project and typical timelines for historical films many industry observers expect it to be released sometime in late 2026 or 2027 once filming and post‑production are complete but that remains speculative until the studio confirms a schedule.
What is confirmed is that this film represents a significant moment for Bad Bunny professionally and culturally. After dominating music charts touring the world headlining shows and breaking records Bad Bunny’s first leading film role places him in a new spotlight and expands his influence in entertainment. It also marks a major moment for Residente who has transitioned from music to filmmaking with a story tied to the island they both call home.
The discussion around production support also highlights ongoing conversations in Puerto Rico about how creative industries are valued and supported at home. Whether the film ultimately shoots on the island or abroad the controversy has raised questions about policy economic incentives and how Puerto Rico positions itself to host and benefit from major cultural productions that tell Puerto Rican stories for global audiences.
For fans and followers Porto Rico is shaping up to be more than just a movie. It is a cultural statement a piece of artistic storytelling that centers Puerto Rican history and identity and a major film that could reach audiences around the world once it is released.
