2023 — PORTO RICO Is First Revealed The project became public in February 2023, when René Pérez Joglar, better known as Residente, revealed that he was working on his first feature screenplay with Academy Award-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris, known for Birdman. The film was identified as PORTO RICO and described as a historical story based on the life of Puerto Rican revolutionary José Maldonado Román, known as Águila Blanca (White Eagle). The story is set around the end of the 19th century, a period of major political change in Puerto Rico.
February 2026 — Bad Bunny Announced as the Lead The project took a major step forward in February 2026 when the production formally announced Residente's feature-film directing debut. Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was announced in his first leading feature-film role. Viggo Mortensen, Edward Norton and Javier Bardem were also announced with the project at that stage. The production described PORTO RICO as an "epic Caribbean western and historical drama" inspired by true events. Residente and Alexander Dinelaris were confirmed as the film's screenwriters. Residente and Erick Douât were announced as producers through 1868 Studios, with Edward Norton, Bill Migliore and Michael Bederman also producing. Alejandro G. Iñárritu was among the executive producers.
April 2026 — Dominican Republic Filming Plans Emerge By April 2026, reporting indicated that production would take place in the Dominican Republic rather than Puerto Rico. The location became significant because the movie's story centers on Puerto Rican history even though principal photography would take place outside Puerto Rico.
August 31, 2026 — Filming Begins On August 31, 2026, Residente publicly revealed that filming had begun. A production slate shared by Residente showed PORTO RICO in production, with Academy Award-winning cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle serving as director of photography. Reporting confirmed that the film was being shot in the Dominican Republic.
September 2026 — Major Cast Expansion Confirmed With cameras rolling in the Dominican Republic, the production announced 11 additional cast members: Richard Gadd, Rhenzy Feliz, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Daniel Brühl, Rubén Blades, Alberto Guerra, Marcel Ruiz, Arian Cartaya, Óscar Jaenada, Carmen Machi and Luis Tosar. They joined Bad Bunny, Viggo Mortensen and Edward Norton in the current announced cast. The September production update also indicated that Javier Bardem, although announced with the project in February, was no longer part of the production.
WHAT PORTO RICO IS ABOUT The screenplay by Residente and Alexander Dinelaris draws inspiration from the life of José Maldonado Román, Águila Blanca, a Puerto Rican revolutionary associated with resistance to colonial rule. The historical drama is set against Puerto Rico's political transformation at the end of the 19th century and includes the period surrounding the 1898 transfer of Puerto Rico from Spanish to U.S. control.
WHERE PRODUCTION STANDS NOW As of September 2026, principal photography is underway in the Dominican Republic. Bad Bunny leads the film in his first leading feature-film role, while Residente makes his feature directing and screenwriting debut. No official theatrical release date has been announced. PortoRicoMovie.com will update this timeline whenever new casting, production, trailer, festival or release information is officially confirmed.
SOURCES: DGCINE Live Nation Studios 1868 Studios Verified production announcements and reputable published reporting
