Spanish cinema has witnessed a historic moment with the release of Torrente for President. Directed by Santiago Segura and distributed by Sony Pictures Spain, the comedy opened on March 13 and grossed €7.25 million ($8.3 million) in its first weekend. The film accounted for nearly 70% of Spain’s total box office, drawing over one million spectators in just four days.
Record-Breaking Performance
Sony confirmed that this is the biggest opening for any film in Spain since 2019 and the strongest debut for a Spanish film since Spanish Affair 2 in 2015. It now ranks as the fourth-best opening in Spanish cinema history, behind The Impossible and Torrente 4: Lethal Crisis.
Hollywood Cameos Stir Buzz
The film features unexpected cameos from Kevin Spacey and Alec Baldwin. Spacey, channeling shades of his House of Cards persona, plays a powerful global leader. Baldwin reprises his caricature of Donald Trump from Saturday Night Live. Their appearances added intrigue to the film’s marketing strategy, which withheld cast details until release.
Political Satire With Contemporary Relevance
The Torrente character, introduced in 1998, has long been a parody of corrupt, outdated figures. In Torrente for President, he is recruited by a far-right party to campaign, eventually stepping in as a presidential candidate. The satire resonates strongly in today’s political climate, reflecting Spain’s evolving landscape and the rise of populist movements.
Audience and Critical Reaction
Audiences responded with rare applause at screenings, while critics praised the film’s bold humor. Fotogramas magazine hailed it as “the best political film in Spanish cinema in a decade.” Industry analysts predict the film could reach €25 million ($28.7 million) in final gross, especially with Easter holiday momentum.
A Franchise With Legacy
Since its debut, the Torrente saga has sold over 15 million tickets and grossed €82 million ($94.3 million). Segura has used each installment to parody different genres, from espionage thrillers to prison dramas. With Torrente for President, he delivers biting political satire while keeping the franchise’s trademark irreverence intact.
