René Pérez Joglar (Residente) will make his feature film directorial debut with PORTO RICO, an epic Caribbean western and historical drama headlined by Benito Martínez Ocasio (Bad Bunny) in his first leading film role. The film also features performances by Viggo Mortensen (Eastern Promises, Captain Fantastic, Green Book), Edward Norton (American History X, Birdman, A Complete Unknown), and Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), with additional cast members to be announced.

An Epic Historical Western

PORTO RICO was co-written by René Pérez Joglar and Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), combining large-scale historical narrative with a visceral and lyrical approach in a powerful story inspired by real events.

Pérez Joglar is an artist, actor (In the Summers, Frank & Louis), and director who has won 34 Grammy and Latin Grammy awards, and one of the most influential voices in contemporary Puerto Rican and Latin American culture. PORTO RICO marks the realization of a lifelong dream for the multifaceted creator.

"I've dreamed of making a film about my country since I was a child. The true history of Puerto Rico has always been surrounded by controversy," expressed Pérez Joglar. "This film is a reaffirmation of who we are, told with the intensity and honesty our history deserves."

Star-Studded Production Team

Pérez Joglar and Erick Douât produce through 1868 Studios. Edward Norton and Bill Migliore, along with Michael Bederman, produce for Class 5 Films. The film is backed by Live Nation Studios, Class 5 Films, and strategic partners including the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, Mike and Sukey Novogratz, and Noah Assad. Multiple Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu serves as executive producer alongside Scott Budnick and his 1Community label, Mike Novogratz, Sukey Novogratz, José E. Feliciano, Kwanza Jones, Henry R. Muñoz III, and Noah Assad. UTA Independent Film Group represents international sales.

On his decision to produce the project, Norton commented: "This film falls within a tradition of films we deeply love, from The Godfather to Gangs of New York, that impact us with visceral drama and iconic characters and eras, but also force us to confront the shadow history that lies beneath the American narrative of idealism. Everyone knows René as a poet of language and rhythm. Now they'll also see the visual visionary he is. And bringing him together with Bad Bunny to tell the true story of Puerto Rico's roots will be like a flame finding the dynamite cartridge that was waiting for it."

About the Production Companies

1868 Studios was created through a multi-year strategic alliance between Pérez Joglar, Sony Music Latin-Iberia, and Sony Music Vision. The company develops, produces, and globally distributes original content centered on authentic culture-driven narratives. Committed to elevating Latin culture and bringing Latin stories to global audiences, 1868 Studios creates premium projects that highlight heritage, identity, and bold creative expression across multiple formats.

Class 5 Films has produced feature films and documentaries such as The Painted Veil and Motherless Brooklyn, as well as the Emmy-winning documentary By the People: The Election of Barack Obama.

1Community has produced films such as Just Mercy, Respect, and most recently the Emmy and Critics Choice Awards-nominated Nonnas, notable for its unique combination of commercial entertainment and social impact.

Live Nation Entertainment leads the industry bringing artists and their live shows to stages around the world. Live Nation Studios (LNS) was created to help those same artists tell their stories. This Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy-nominated division houses artist-driven films and series dedicated to sharing innovative, music-inspired stories with global audiences.

LNS is experiencing great success, including "Stray Kids: The DominATE Experience" as the number one film worldwide; Anderson .Paak's "K-Pops!" coming soon to theaters as an AMC exclusive; "Rolling Loud," starring Owen Wilson and Matt Rife, releasing in theaters this summer; and the upcoming Noah Kahan documentary acquired as a Netflix Original and premiering at SXSW.

The Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative (Jones•Feliciano) is a family and impact platform dedicated to driving transformative narratives, cultural equity, and economic opportunities. Through strategic initiatives aligned with its mission in media, sports, technology, capital access, and community initiatives, Jones•Feliciano supports visionary creators who elevate stories that reflect the richness and complexity of global communities.

‍