René Pérez Joglar, known as Residente, is making his feature film directorial debut with PORTO RICO, an ambitious Caribbean western and historical drama. The project stars Benito Martínez Ocasio, also known as Bad Bunny, in his first leading film role, alongside Edward Norton, Viggo Mortensen, and Javier Bardem. The film aims to tell a powerful story rooted in Puerto Rican history through a combination of gripping narrative and lyrical storytelling.
Combination of Experienced Talent and Strong Cultural Storytelling
PORTO RICO co-writer René Pérez Joglar teamed up with Academy Award-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris to create a screenplay that blends sweeping historical elements with vivid, emotional storytelling inspired by real events. Pérez Joglar, a 34-time Grammy and Latin Grammy winner for his work as a musician and actor, brings a deep cultural perspective to this project, which fulfills a lifelong aspiration to present Puerto Rico’s complex and often controversial history on screen.
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,
said Pérez Joglar.
This film is a reaffirmation of who we are—told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves.
—René Pérez Joglar, Director
High-Profile Cast and Production Team Backing the Vision
The film’s cast features notable names including Edward Norton, whose notable works span from American History X to Birdman, as well as Viggo Mortensen and Javier Bardem, each bringing a wealth of experience. The production team includes Pérez Joglar and Erick Douât producing for 1868 Studios, with Norton and Bill Migliore producing through Class 5 Films. Executive producers include Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Scott Budnick, and others, ensuring that the project benefits from a strong foundation of industry veterans and socially conscious storytellers.
This film sits in a tradition of films we deeply love, from The Godfather to Gangs of New York, that both thrill us with visceral drama and iconic characters and eras while also forcing us to face up to the shadow story under the American narrative of idealism. 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.
—Edward Norton, Actor and Producer
1868 Studios: Championing Latin Culture Through Authentic Stories
1868 Studios, founded as a multi-year joint venture between Pérez Joglar, Sony Music Latin-Iberia, and Sony Music Vision, specializes in producing and globally distributing content that reflects Latin heritage and identity. Its mission emphasizes culturally driven projects that highlight bold artistic expression and genuine storytelling, making it a fitting home for the production of PORTO RICO. Alongside 1868 Studios, Class 5 Films and 1Community—known for their blend of commercial appeal and social impact—are vital collaborators on this project.
Industry Leaders Back a New Wave of Artist-Driven, Music-Inspired Films
Live Nation Entertainment, through its Live Nation Studios division, brings extensive experience in producing artist-focused films and documentaries. The division has delivered projects such as Stray Kids: The DominATE Experience and documentaries about Ariana Anderson .Paak and Miley Cyrus. As a leading force in music and film, Live Nation Studios supports innovative storytelling that bridges music’s global influence and cinematic arts. The involvement of partners like the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative further emphasizes the importance of cultural equity and transformative storytelling within PORTO RICO.
Collaborators and Representation Behind the Scenes
The creative talent involved in PORTO RICO are represented by notable agencies, including United Talent Agency (UTA), WME, and others, providing strong professional support to the ensemble cast and crew. These agencies help in managing careers and advancing projects that align with their clients’ visions, ensuring a well-rounded effort behind the film’s production and distribution.
Significance and Expected Impact of ‘PORTO RICO’
PORTO RICO is positioned not only as an epic historical drama but also as a culturally vital work that confronts difficult chapters of Puerto Rico’s past with honesty and artistic intensity. By combining the directorial talents of René Pérez Joglar with the star power of Edward Norton and others, the film seeks to reach global audiences while elevating Puerto Rican identity and history. It represents a bold step toward authentic Latin American storytelling in cinema and is poised to have a profound impact on how Caribbean history is portrayed.
Given the powerhouse team behind it and its roots in real, often overlooked stories, PORTO RICO is expected to attract considerable attention when it reaches screens, sparking important conversations about heritage, identity, and the complexities of colonial history in the Americas.
