Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist: Bad Bunny on Fame, Acting, and His Puerto Rico Roots

Date: January 18, 2026
Host: Willie Geist
Guest: Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio)

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation with global music superstar Bad Bunny, exploring his recent foray into acting, his transformative residency in Puerto Rico, the roots of his stage name, and the cultural influences that shaped him. Throughout, Benito speaks candidly about representing Puerto Rico on the world stage, his artistic ambitions, and personal journey—from shy church singer to international icon.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. From Music to Movies: Bad Bunny’s Acting Journey

• Discussing "Caught Stealing" and Playing Colorado
  • Bad Bunny describes the significance of portraying a Puerto Rican character in Caught Stealing, his first time representing his own heritage on screen (04:00).

    “He’s Puerto Rican and is the first Puerto Rican role that I have on this journey… the fact that I’m doing a Puerto Rican role for the first time is so cool.” (Bad Bunny, 04:00)

  • Yes, the character is tough and street-savvy—a hustler in New York City who’s passionate about winning and always giving his best (04:00–05:33).
• How the Role Came About
  • He expresses gratitude to director Darren Aronofsky for taking a chance on him (06:02).

    “I’m very grateful with Darren for trust on me … I was 100% sure that he wanted best for the movie and he never was going to let me do a bad thing… he pushed me to give my best.” (Bad Bunny, 06:02)

• Challenges on Set
  • Stepping onto set with seasoned actors like Austin Butler made him nervous, but also made him rise to the occasion (07:37–09:00).

    “I have to show what I can do… it’s about respect their job, their work.” (Bad Bunny, 07:53)

2. Why Acting Appeals to Benito

• Acting provides an intimacy and opportunity for transformation that differs from his stadium shows (10:22–12:08):

  “When you are in a movie set… it’s very personal. Sometimes you know there’s a camera, but sometimes you forget about that. And I think that’s when you really get into the role… you are in a different world, living another life.” (Bad Bunny, 10:33)

• Acting has always been a dream alongside music; he is determined to earn every opportunity, not just ride his musical fame into movies (12:41–14:19):

  “I just want to earn everything on the acting world.” (Bad Bunny, 13:51)

3. The San Juan Residency: More Than Just Concerts

• A Love Letter to Puerto Rico
  • Benito's 30-show residency in San Juan has become one of his most moving experiences; he calls it “magical,” with unexplainable energy uniting thousands in the arena (15:28–17:12):

    “It’s something magical… There’s a feeling that I can even explain. It’s like everyone love each other. Everyone is like a big family just having fun, singing, dancing, crying.” (Bad Bunny, 15:28)

• Impact on Puerto Rico
  • The shows have fueled substantial economic impact, drawing fans from around the world and shining a light on Puerto Rico’s beauty and challenges (15:55–17:44).
  • He’s proud to share both the best and the “delicate things” about Puerto Rico through his show, striving for honesty in his storytelling (17:44–18:46):

    “We show the best of Puerto Rico and also the toughest or delicate things about Puerto Rico also. And I think that’s the beauty of this show. That is very powerful. And honest, I think is… the word for this show.” (Bad Bunny, 17:44)

4. Musical Roots and Influences

• Bad Bunny credits his diverse taste to his parents—his dad played salsa (Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, El Gran Combo), his mom favored merengue, and as a ‘Y2K boy’ he grew up on reggaeton (19:46–21:37):

  “There’s a lot of influence not just on my blood, like in my mind, in my…my soul.” (Bad Bunny, 21:31)

• These influences blend into his distinctive sound, fusing genres and cultures.

5. Early Ambitions and Rise to Stardom

• Decided to pursue music as a professional dream at age seven, honing his craft from a young age (23:07).
• By 20, he began sharing music online, a leap that changed his life by 22 (24:53–25:08).
• Reflects on remaining grounded thanks to his upbringing and support network (25:11–26:48):

  “I’m very grateful about what I learned at home with my parents… with my friends, my family, my team, that they’ve been very, very important to me and special to… survive and learn and grow up on this world and accept the reality of my life.” (Bad Bunny, 25:11)

6. Representing Puerto Rico and Dreaming Forward

• Talks about the pride and sense of responsibility he feels stepping on stage as the face of Puerto Rico (26:48–27:31).
• Emphasizes the importance of keeping dreams alive:

  “Never stop. Sound like a very cliche phrase, but that’s what it life about. Have dreams. Even when you can’t make it, at least try it…” (Bad Bunny, 27:31)

7. Plans for the Future

• Wants to pursue more acting roles and other unannounced projects; prefers to let his actions speak:

  “I always… never mention any of those things because I prefer to show up.” (Bad Bunny, 28:20)

8. The Origin of ‘Bad Bunny’

• Stage name was inspired by childhood photos in a bunny costume—one where he’s notably upset (29:13–30:15):

  “Even a bad bunny is gonna look like a good bunny. So I don’t know, it fit perfect on me because I could be bad. I could be good.” (Bad Bunny, 29:13)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On landing his first Puerto Rican film role:

  “The fact that I’m doing a Puerto Rican role for the first time is so cool.” (04:00)

• On set with legendary actors:

  “All people in this room are like huge actors and… I have to do my best to be at their level. And that was my mindset, just give my best not only for me, also for them.” (07:53)

• On the magic of the San Juan residency:

  “Everyone is like a big family just having fun, singing, dancing, crying. And I’m very, very grateful.” (15:28)

• On blending genres:

  “There’s a lot of influence not just on my blood, like in my mind, in my… my soul.” (21:31)

• On his stage name:

  “Even a bad bunny is gonna look like a good bunny.” (29:13)

Important Timestamps

• 03:38 – Interview begins: film talk and role in Caught Stealing
• 10:22 – Differences between acting and performing music
• 12:41 – Desire to act, respect for the craft
• 15:28 – San Juan residency, emotional impact
• 17:44 – Message & honesty in representing Puerto Rico
• 19:46 – Musical influences and family background
• 23:07 – Decision to pursue music as a career
• 25:11 – Processing fame, support system
• 27:07 – Reflecting on his childhood ambition
• 28:20 – Future plans and secrecy
• 29:13 – Origin of ‘Bad Bunny’ name

Tone and Style

The conversation is warm, relaxed, and genuine. Benito is humble, reflective, and earnest, switching between English and Spanish idioms, and giving thoughtful answers about culture, music, and stardom. Willie Geist maintains a respectfully curious, conversational interview style, often sharing personal admiration and occasional humor.

Summary

In this wide-ranging interview, Bad Bunny shares how acting is pushing his creative boundaries, the immense pride and responsibility he feels representing his island on the world stage, and the personal roots that keep him grounded as his influence grows. Whether discussing the thrill and challenge of collaborating with Hollywood legends or the almost spiritual communion of his historic San Juan residency, Bad Bunny centers honesty, gratitude, and cultural pride in all he does. His story continues to be one of striving, humility, and deep love for Puerto Rico—always with new dreams ahead.