Ricky Martin joins the cast and executive producing team of Gael García Bernal’s upcoming film Hombre al Agua, according to production disclosures ahead of the movie’s festival debut. Bernal directs, co-writes, and stars in the surreal comedy-drama, which features an ensemble Latin American cast including Esmeralda Pimentel, Débora Nascimento, Natalia Oreiro, Anna Díaz, Manuel García Rulfo, and Jorge Salinas.
Ricky Martin Cast as Roby Ahead of Venice and Toronto Premieres
According to Paris-based sales company The Pool Films, Ricky Martin portrays a character named Roby in Hombre al Agua. The role requires Roby to play Camilo—the film’s protagonist, played by Bernal—within a biographical film project spearheaded by Camilo’s wife. This project marks Martin’s first fully Spanish-language on-screen role in more than two decades, following early television work in the 1990s and his recent appearance in Apple TV+’s Palm Royale.
Director Gael García Bernal stated that casting Martin happened almost by accident. According to Bernal, Martin was the first person imagined for the part, but the idea initially seemed too improbable during the early development process. After securing Martin’s phone number shortly before filming began in Mérida, capital of Mexico’s Yucatán, Bernal reached out. According to Bernal, Martin agreed immediately before hearing full details of the project, later joining as an executive producer due to his enthusiasm on set.
Did you know? Hombre al Agua marks Gael García Bernal’s third feature film in the director’s seat, following previous directorial efforts at Cannes with Déficit and Chicuarotes.
Plot Details and Production Team Behind the Comedy-Drama
The narrative centers on Camilo, a Cuban lifeguard operating in the Caribbean Sea, according to production synopses. Camilo rescues Abel, a powerful Mexican businessman with political ambitions, who subsequently hires Camilo as his right-hand man in Mexico. Camilo cements his new standing by marrying the businessman’s daughter, only to discover his new life diverges sharply from expectations.
Bernal produces the film alongside longtime collaborator Diego Luna through their joint banner La Corriente del Golfo, working alongside producers Fernanda de la Peza and Stacy Perskie. Co-written with Mariano Pensotti, the film draws inspiration from Bernal’s own experiences with fatherhood, loneliness, and changing relationships over time. The production is scheduled for release in Mexican cinemas on September 24 and stands among 17 titles running to represent Mexico at the 99th Academy Awards.
Festival Circuit and International Screenings
Hombre al Agua holds its world premiere in the Spotlight section at the Venice Film Festival next month, followed by a North American debut as a special presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival. The festival runs parallel to other international festival highlights, such as Bernal’s appearance at the Berlinale for Piero Messina’s sci-fi film Another End, where Bernal starred alongside Renate Reinsve and Bérénice Bejo, exploring existential questions surrounding loss and technology.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on festival schedules for Venice and Toronto to catch early reviews and red carpet appearances from the high-profile Latin American ensemble cast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in Hombre al Agua?
Gael García Bernal stars as Camilo alongside an ensemble cast featuring Ricky Martin, Esmeralda Pimentel, Débora Nascimento, Natalia Oreiro, Anna Díaz, Manuel García Rulfo, and Jorge Salinas, according to the film’s production notes.
What is Ricky Martin’s role in the film?
Ricky Martin plays Roby, an actor hired to portray Camilo in a biographical film within the movie. Martin also serves as an executive producer on the project.
Who directed Hombre al Agua?
Gael García Bernal directed the film, marking his third feature in the director’s seat after previously directing Déficit and Chicuarotes.
When and where is the film premiering?
The film holds its world premiere in the Spotlight section at the Venice Film Festival, followed by a special presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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