Ricky Martin unveiled a new look at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, where he attended the premiere of his Spanish-language film "Hombre Al Agua." The 54-year-old entertainer arrived with a significantly lighter buzzcut and subtly lighter facial hair, a departure from his typically darker, styled hair.
Martin attended the event in a white Giorgio Armani blazer and black trousers. He was accompanied on the red carpet by co-star Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and director Gael Garcia Bernal.
"Hombre Al Agua," which translates to "Man Overboard," is a comedy-drama centered on a Cuban lifeguard named Camilo, played by Garcia-Rulfo. Camilo's life takes an unexpected turn when he rescues a wealthy Mexican businessman, Abel, from drowning. The story follows Camilo as he is brought to Mexico by Abel and subsequently marries Abel's daughter.
Martin takes on the role of Roby, an actor hired to portray Camilo in a film-within-a-film. Garcia Bernal, who also directed "Hombre Al Agua," shared with Deadline that Martin was his initial choice for the role, though he initially considered it an unlikely casting.
"Ricky was one of those wonderful accidents," Garcia Bernal stated. "He was the first person I imagined for the role, but it seemed like such a crazy, almost impossible idea that I kept his name to myself for most of the development process."
Garcia Bernal managed to contact Martin shortly before shooting began. "Before I had even really explained the project, he said, ‘Whatever you want,’" the director recalled.
This film marks Martin's first full Spanish-language role in over two decades. His recent acting credits include the 2014 TV drama "Palm Royale" and the 2018 series "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story," where he portrayed Antonio D'Amico.