Richard Gadd lands debut movie role in "gripping" historical drama with stacked cast

Baby Reindeer's Richard Gadd has landed his debut movie role in the upcoming historical drama Porto Rico. The story centres around real-life Puerto Rican revolutionary José Maldonado Román, known as Águila Blanca (White Eagle), and explores the origins of the Caribbean island.

According to Deadline, Maldonado Román led a gang of ex-convicts in the fight against colonialism in the late 19th century. Together, they went up against both Spanish and American authorities, hoping to gain independence for Puerto Rico as a country.

The movie will reportedly "[blend] historical scope with a visceral, lyrical approach and a gripping narrative inspired by true events". It will cover the 1898 US takeover of Puerto Rico from Spain, which resulted in the island being renamed Porto Rico.

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The stacked cast is led by Benito Martínez Ocasio (aka Bad Bunny), who stars alongside Viggo Mortensen and Edward Norton.

Gadd will be joined by The Penguin's Rhenzy Feliz, The Lord of the Rings' Ismael Cruz Córdova, Inglourious Basterds star Daniel Brühl, Latin music icon Rubén Blades and Narcos: Mexico's Alberto Guerra.

Meanwhile, The Body actor Marcel Ruiz, It: Welcome to Derry's Arian Cartaya, The Losers' Óscar Jaenada, Broken Embraces star Carmen Machi and Miami Vice's Luis Tosar also appear, with character details yet to be announced.

The screenplay is written by Alexander Dinelaris and Puerto Rican rapper René 'Residente' Pérez Joglar, who is making his screenwriting and directorial debut on the project.

Production is already underway, with filming taking place in the Dominic Republic.

"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," Residente said. "This film is a reaffirmation of who we are — told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves."

"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," co-producer Norton added.

"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."

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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.