Bad Bunny Lands First Lead Movie Role With Big-Name Co-Stars

Global music star Bad Bunny is expanding his career beyond music, landing his first leading role in a feature film set in his homeland, Puerto Rico.

The project places Bad Bunny alongside an ensemble of established actors, signaling a new chapter for the performer and widening his influence in the entertainment industry.

On February 18, Deadline announced the cast for the upcoming film "Porto Rico," the directorial debut of Grammy-winning Puerto Rican rapper René Pérez Joglar, more famously known as Residente.

According to the report, the historical drama will feature Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, in the lead role. Joining him are Hollywood heavyweights, including Edward Norton, Javier Bardem, and Viggo Mortensen.

Residente and Bad Bunny are linked by their fierce commitment to their country, their people, and the causes they champion, and the former has always wanted to make a movie about his country.

"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. This film is a reaffirmation of who we are -- told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves," Residente shared.

Although there aren't many details shared about the movie as yet, Residente spoke about co-writing the script with "Birdman" screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris back in 2023.

Apart from selecting Dinelaris for his writing talent, Residente shares a personal connection with him, as both of their grandmothers were born in Puerto Rico. "I was looking for someone who not only is talented but also connects with the subject matter. I found both in Alex," Residente said.

"Porto Rico" will focus on the life of José Maldonado Román aka Águila Blanca, a Puerto Rican revolutionary, who led ex-convicts in a fight against colonialism.

Dinelaris said that this is their chance to share a part of Puerto Rico's history that not many around the world know about. "It's a story about the spectacular courage and resilience of someone unwilling to bend the knee at any price."

Norton also talked about the film, saying, "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. And 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."

Bad Bunny isn't new to acting. He has appeared in movies, such as "Bullet Train," "Cassandro," "Caught Stealing," and "Happy Gilmore 2," as well as TV shows, including "Narcos: Mexico" and a guest appearance on "SNL."

In an interview with Rolling Stone in January 2025, Bad Bunny shared his excitement over acting in different films, describing the experience as "bad-ss."

When asked whether he would be open to being a full-time actor, he replied, "I'd do it. I'm always going to make music, but I'd spend some time just making films and dedicating myself to acting."

Bad Bunny has made it big in the music industry, but he revealed that he had always loved acting since he was a child. When his mother learned that he would be starring in movies, she was thrilled for her son.

According to the singer, his mother said, "When you were little, even though you loved music, I never imagined you'd be a musical artist. I always imagined you as an actor. When you were little, I used to say, 'This boy is going to be an actor'," adding that her son being a singer never crossed her mind.

Fans can't wait to see Bad Bunny shine and are curious to see how he brings his energy and charisma to the big screen. Many are also excited over the collaboration between Bad Bunny and Residente.

"We went from them protesting in the streets together in 2019 to this. This isn't just a movie, it's a cultural reset for PR. Cinema is about to be moved," one user commented.

"With his Puerto Rican background, he might add some genuine depth to the role, especially in a film about the island's history," another shared.

"Bad Bunny going from the biggest artist in the world to leading a historical drama about Puerto Rico is a full circle moment. Residente directing makes this even more special," another noted.