Exclusive: Jennifer Lopez Says Musical Kiss of the Spider Woman Is ‘Most Challenging and Rewarding Role I’ve Ever Had…..Read More

It’s a dark story, but also one about love and survival — about helping each other through hard times,” Lopez said of the film

Jennifer Lopez is continuing to challenge herself after decades in Hollywood.

In a recent interview with Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, Lopez, 55 — who’s starring in Kiss of the Spider Woman, an adaptation of the 1993 Broadway musical — opened up about taking on her first role in a big movie musical.

It’s probably the most challenging and rewarding role I’ve ever had,” Lopez said. “It’s about love, acceptance, and finding beauty in the darkness. I think those themes are so relevant right now.”

The Tony Award-winning show was composed by John Kander, who returned for the making of the upcoming film, and Lopez gushed over getting to watch him in action.

“John Kander was in the studio with me when I recorded my songs,” she said. “He’s 97 years old and still so full of life. Hearing him say, ‘I’ve never heard this song sung better’ — it was one of the best moments of my career.”

In the musical, written and directed by Bill Condon, Lopez plays a woman named Aurora — a character created by Luis Molina, a gay hairdresser imprisoned in Argentina circa 1981, and Marxist Valentin Arregui Paz. As a form of escapism, Molina fantasized of Aurora as an actress who, in the film, takes on the role of Spider Woman.

It’s a dark story, but also one about love and survival — about helping each other through hard times,” Lopez explained. “I think that’s a message we really need right now.”

She stars alongside Diego Luna and also serves as a co-producer alongside ex Ben Affleck and 12 others, including Matt Damon.

“I do it for the love of the art,” said Lopez of her diverse repertoire. “It’s not about the awards or the accolades. It’s about telling stories that matter — stories that make people feel seen, stories that inspire. That’s what keeps me going

Lopez has had a full plate as she continues promoting her sports drama Unstoppable, which premiered in September at the Toronto International Film Festival. It follows the story of champion wrestler Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), who was born with one leg, and his mother Judy Robles, played by Lopez.

It’s not often that you have a movie like this,” she told the outlet. “I identified with her. I understood the upbringing they had, the struggles, the relationships, and the sacrifices Judy made for her son. She realized, early on, that if she didn’t accept her child, how would he ever accept himself? That moment of love and growth — it’s universal.”

Kiss of the Spider Woman does not yet have an official release date.