Ricky Martin, 54, delivered a dazzling appearance at the Venice Film Festival — but not as a musician. The Puerto Rican star premiered his new film “Overboard” (original title: “Hombre al agua”), directed by Gael García Bernal (47). Martin plays the character Roby and also serves as an executive producer on the project.
A notable twist is the film’s language: for Martin, it’s his first role in more than two decades to be performed entirely in Spanish. His casting had remained a secret for a long time, only becoming public with the trailer release about two weeks ago.
A Call Just Before Filming Began
How the collaboration came about, Bernal recently told the U.S. trade publication Deadline. Martin was one of those fortunate coincidences, the Mexican director said. He had him in mind from the start for the role, but the idea seemed so crazy and nearly impossible that he kept the name under wraps for much of the development. It became concrete only shortly before filming began in Mérida. The role required only a single day of shooting, Bernal told Deadline, which is why the team kept telling themselves they’d find someone. Then he got Martin’s number and called him. Before he could fully explain the project, the singer spontaneously said, “Whatever you want.”
From Enthusiasm to a Producing Role
Bernal also praised in the interview how Martin contributed on set. He arrived with enormous generosity, fully embracing the spirit of the film and understanding the humor of the character. In the end, he became one of their strongest advocates. That Martin additionally joined as an executive producer grew entirely from this enthusiasm.
Martin himself expressed his gratitude to Deadline for the commitment: “It’s always an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside Gael García Bernal — one of the most talented actors, writers and directors of his generation. I’m here to give my best in a small role, but with Gael, everything reaches a whole new level.”
For Martin, the project lands in an already packed schedule. Alongside his film work, his international touring continues, with the next concerts already lined up. Most recently he appeared on screen in the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ series “Palm Royale.”
