Richard Gadd, Rhenzy Feliz, Ismael Cruz Córdova, and Rubén Blades are among the 11 new cast members joining Bad Bunny in Residente's directorial debut, 'Porto Rico.'
Cameras have officially started rolling on the set of 'Porto Rico', the feature film directed by René "Residente" Pérez Joglar, marking his screenwriting and directing debut. This announcement was made on September 17, 2026, by Deadline. The film features an ensemble cast led by Benito “Bad Bunny” Martínez Ocasio, along with actors Viggo Mortensen and Edward Norton.
In a significant addition, 11 more actors will join the existing cast, enhancing the film's narrative depth and diversity. Notable names include Richard Gadd, Rhenzy Feliz, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Rubén Blades, Daniel Brühl, and several others.
The newly announced cast members set to appear alongside Bad Bunny and his co-stars feature:
The inclusion of these diverse talents adds significant weight to the film and reflects a commitment to cultural representation.
'Porto Rico' is being described as an epic Caribbean western and historical drama inspired by true events. The screenplay, co-written by Alexander Dinelaris and Residente, draws on the life of Puerto Rican revolutionary José Maldonado Román, known as Águila Blanca (White Eagle). This narrative focuses on his fight against colonialism during the late 19th century, exploring themes of identity and resistance, and culminates with the U.S. takeover of Puerto Rico in 1898.
This historical context could resonate with audiences familiar with Puerto Rico’s complex colonial history, providing a platform for discussions regarding identity, culture, and heritage.
The film is being produced by 1868 Studios in conjunction with Class 5 Films, alongside notable figures such as Edward Norton and Erick Douât. The production also boasts an impressive creative team, featuring award-winning professionals such as Anthony Dod Mantle as cinematographer and David Crank as production designer. This dedication to high production values is essential in bringing nuanced historical narratives to life on screen.
American actors like Mortensen and Norton, who are fluent in Spanish, add to the authenticity of the film. However, recent reports confirmed that Javier Bardem, initially part of the cast, has departed. His exit is noted, but the introduction of other Spanish talents like Jaenada, Machi, and Tosar retains strong representation from the region.
The progress on 'Porto Rico' signifies a burgeoning interest in films that tackle complex historical issues through a culturally rich lens. With its notable cast and committed production team, 'Porto Rico' is poised to contribute meaningfully to contemporary discussions about representation in film. The complete cast list is still under wraps, raising anticipation about how these characters will be woven into the broader narrative.
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