# Production and festival premiere of Hombre al agua

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/production-of-film-hombre-al-agua
> Updated: 2026-09-09T11:12:08.000Z. Sources: 61. Developments: 5.

Ricky Martin is returning to Spanish-language cinema as both an actor and executive producer in the film ‘Hombre al agua’ (Lifeguard Overboard). Directed by Gael García Bernal and co-written by Bernal and Diego Luna, the project is a surrealist comedy-drama filmed in Mérida, Yucatán.

In the film, Martin portrays Roby, an actor hired to play the protagonist, Camilo, in a biopic within the movie’s narrative. This role represents Martin’s first full performance in Spanish in more than twenty years. The plot centers on Camilo, a Cuban lifeguard played by Bernal, whose life is altered after rescuing Abel, an influential Mexican businessman with political ambitions. The story explores themes of migration, masculinity, and social identity through a narrative of manipulation and control.

The film was showcased in the Spotlight section out of competition at the 83rd Venice Film Festival. During the premiere, Bernal discussed the film's themes of social and political manipulation, describing the current era as a ‘reality of popularity’ where everything is co-opted for capitalization. He noted that the film aims to reflect Latin American cultural diversity by featuring characters of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Brazilian, and Argentine nationalities.

While attending the festival, Martin appeared on the red carpet with costars Débora Nascimento, Jorge Salinas, Gael García Bernal, and Esmeralda Pimentel. He drew attention for a dramatic change in appearance, sporting a honey-blonde buzzcut and matching beard. Martin described the festival experience as ‘a very important page’ in his career and a ‘tsunami’ of emotion.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Ricky Martin debuts at Venice Film Festival with new look

Ricky Martin debuted at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of ‘Hombre al Agua’, sporting a bold new honey-blonde buzzcut and celebrating his return to Spanish-language cinema.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ricky-martin-debuts-new-look-at-venice-film-festival

### 2026-09-06: Gael García Bernal premieres ‘Hombre al agua’ at Venice Film Festival

Gael García Bernal premiered his film ‘Hombre al agua’ at the Venice Film Festival, a social fable starring Ricky Martin that explores the manipulation of the underprivileged by the powerful.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gael-garca-bernal-premieres-hombre-al-agua-at-venice-film-festival

### 2026-09-06: Ricky Martin presents film in Venice and discusses Menudo anniversary

Ricky Martin is at the Venice Film Festival for the film ‘Hombre al agua’ and discussed his potential appearance at Menudo’s 50th-anniversary tour and his personal wellness routine.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ricky-martin-discusses-film-role-and-wellness-routine

### 2026-08-26: Ricky Martin joins Gael García Bernal’s ‘Hombre al Agua’ as actor and producer

Ricky Martin returns to Spanish-language film as an actor and executive producer in Gael García Bernal’s new comedy-drama ‘Hombre al Agua’.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ricky-martin-joins-gael-garca-bernals-hombre-al-agua-as-actor-and-producer

### 2026-08-24: Ricky Martin joins Gael García Bernal in new film Hombre al agua

Ricky Martin returns to Spanish-language cinema as an actor and executive producer in Gael García Bernal’s new film, ‘Hombre al agua’, set to premiere at the Venice and Toronto film festivals.

34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ricky-martin-joins-gael-garca-bernals-new-film-hombre-al-agua

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Cite as: Production and festival premiere of Hombre al agua. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/production-of-film-hombre-al-agua