Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin has announced his return to the screen as an actor and executive producer in Hombre al agua, a new film directed by Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal.
Martin shared the news on Monday through a post on his Instagram story, confirming that he will take on a role performed entirely in Spanish.
The Livin' la Vida Loca singer said that having the opportunity to work alongside Garcia Bernal, whom he described as one of the most talented actors, writers, and directors of his generation, was always an honor. Martin added that he was there to give his best effort in a small role and said he felt incredibly proud to be part of the production and its journey, noting that projects with Garcia Bernal reach another level.
Martin is a global pop star from Puerto Rico who has previously expanded into acting with television and theatrical roles. Garcia Bernal is an acclaimed Mexican actor and filmmaker who gained international recognition in landmark films such as Amores perros and Coco before directing feature projects.
Plot and character details
In the film, Martin portrays Roby, an actor hired to play Camilo in a biographical movie commissioned by the protagonist's wife.
Garcia Bernal stars as Camilo, a Cuban lifeguard whose life undergoes an unexpected turn after he rescues Abel, a Mexican businessman with political ambitions, from drowning in the Caribbean Sea.
The plot explores themes of fatherhood, masculinity, and migration, drawing directly from the director's personal experiences. The project is described as a dramatic comedy featuring surrealist elements.
The ensemble cast also features Esmeralda Pimentel, Debora Nascimento, Natalia Oreiro, Anna Diaz, Manuel Garcia Rulfo, and Jorge Salinas.
Production and festival premiere
Hombre al agua is the third feature film directed by Garcia Bernal. It was co-written and produced by actor Diego Luna, Garcia Bernal's partner at their independent production company, La Corriente del Golfo.
Filming for the movie took place on location in Merida, the capital city of the state of Yucatan in southeastern Mexico.
The film is scheduled to make its debut in the Spotlight section at the Venice Film Festival in Italy, followed by a special screening at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. Hombre al agua is scheduled for release in Mexican cinemas on September 24.
