René Pérez Joglar Began Production on Film Porto Rico
The director has started filming in the Dominican Republic with a cast that now features Viggo Mortensen.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Film — General
Live Poll
Do you enjoy films that use historical events to explore questions of national identity?
René Pérez Joglar has begun production on the feature film Porto Rico, which depicts the island during the late 19th century. The project explores the political transition following the 1898 U.S. takeover.
Why it matters
The film addresses the historical loss of identity and self-determination during the transition to U.S. colonial control. Its title intentionally references the government spelling used by the U.S. between 1898 and 1932.
The production team includes 1868 Studios and Class 5 Films, while Anthony Dod Mantle serves as the director of photography. The project features a lead performance by Benito Martínez Ocasio.
The players
René Pérez Joglar
He is the director and co-writer of the film Porto Rico.
Benito Martínez Ocasio
He is a prominent musical artist who holds the lead role in this production.
Viggo Mortensen
He is an acclaimed actor who has joined the cast for this feature film project.
Edward Norton
He is an Academy Award-nominated actor who is part of the film ensemble.
1868 Studios
This is one of the production companies overseeing the development of the movie.
The details
Co-written by René Pérez Joglar and Alexander Dinelaris, the film uses the Caribbean western genre to capture historical events. The production cast has recently seen shifts, with Viggo Mortensen and Edward Norton joining the project while Javier Bardem is no longer involved.
Timeline
The film is set during the end of the 19th century.
The historical U.S. takeover of Puerto Rico occurred in 1898.
The U.S. government officially restored the name Puerto Rico on May 17, 1932.
The film project was first reported in 2023.
Javier Bardem was included in the original cast announcement in February 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The film project aligns with a growing Hollywood trend of producing historical epics that examine colonial legacies and national identities. It leverages an international production model to bring these narratives to a global audience.
While production is currently underway in the Dominican Republic, global audiences should expect future updates regarding international distribution and release platforms. Fans of the lead performers can monitor further casting news as the film moves through its production phase.
The takeaway
This film aims to bring under-represented Caribbean historical narratives to the mainstream screen. It serves as a reminder of how creative industries can influence public memory through the reimagining of complex geopolitical histories.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the movie business by visiting Film — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hola.
Live Poll
Do you enjoy films that use historical events to explore questions of national identity?
