Richard Gadd Joined Cast of Porto Rico Film
The historical drama explores the US takeover of Puerto Rico in 1898 and features an ensemble cast.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Documentary
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Actor Richard Gadd has officially joined the production of the upcoming historical drama Porto Rico. The film is currently being shot in the Dominican Republic with a star-studded ensemble cast.
Why it matters
The project serves as a major cinematic exploration of the late 19th-century geopolitical shift that redefined Caribbean history. By examining the 1898 transition of power, the film highlights a pivotal era of colonial influence and local resistance.
The film centers on the events of 1898, a year that marked the US takeover of Puerto Rico from Spain. Production is currently active in the Dominican Republic, featuring a screenplay by Alexander Dinelaris and director René Pérez Joglar.
The players
Richard Gadd
He is an actor and writer best known for creating and starring in the critically acclaimed series Baby Reindeer.
Benito Martínez Ocasio
Also known as Bad Bunny, he is a global music superstar and actor who has transitioned into significant film roles.
Viggo Mortensen
He is a highly decorated actor known for his extensive work in cinema, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Edward Norton
He is an acclaimed actor and filmmaker known for his work in Fight Club and American History X.
René Pérez Joglar
He is a musician and filmmaker who is directing this historical drama about Puerto Rican history.
The details
Benito Martínez Ocasio leads the cast, which also includes prominent actors Viggo Mortensen and Edward Norton. The screenplay was written by Alexander Dinelaris and director René Pérez Joglar to chronicle the events of 1898.
Timeline
The historical events depicted in the film occurred in 1898.
The fight against colonialism led by Maldonado Román took place in the late 19th century.
Industry Dynamics
This project follows the pattern set by historical dramas that utilize the 1898 US takeover of Puerto Rico to examine legacy colonialism. It aligns with current studio efforts to invest in high-profile historical narratives featuring international ensemble casts.
Fans of historical cinema can look forward to a wide theatrical release given the prominence of the film's international cast. The involvement of major stars suggests the production will likely prioritize a broad distribution strategy across major streaming and cinema platforms.
The takeaway
The production signals a growing interest in bringing complex 19th-century Caribbean history to global audiences. Viewers can expect a dramatic focus on the human impact of the 1898 power shift as the project moves through its current filming phase.
Further reading
Explore more projects in the Documentary section of our archives.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Digital Spy.
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