Jennifer Lopez is opening up about how meaningful it was to work on her upcoming movie, which she filmed before her split from Ben Affleck.
This week, the “This Is Me… Now” singer is premiering Unstoppable, the story of Anthony Robles, the wrestler born with one leg who won the 2011 NCAA individual wrestling national championship.
The Hustlers actress stars as Anthony’s mother in the film alongside Jharrell Jerome (as Anthony), Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Don Cheadle, and others. Ben Affleck and his longtime partner and best friend Matt Damon produced the movie.
Jennifer, talking to Entertainment Weekly about her role as Anthony’s mom, who is also in an abusive and toxic marriage, said: “There was a lot about her that I understood,” and added, “There were different sides to [her husband] that the kids didn’t see, that only Judy saw. With people like that, there’s a part of them that tricks you into thinking they care about you and truly love you — but it’s really about their own damage they’re putting onto you.”
She also said, “There was a lot going on with the two of them that was dysfunctional and unhealthy, but she loved him and wanted him to be there.”
Jennifer also shared on Instagram how much she loved the movie and the story it tells. “When I first learned about the true story behind Unstoppable, I was moved beyond words,” she wrote, adding, “It’s a testament to resilience, grit, and the human spirit.”
She finished by saying, “It was such an honor playing Judy Robles in this incredible story about her son Anthony Robles. Both Anthony and Judy are real examples and define what it means to be UNSTOPPABLE.”
Last year, when the project was first announced as the second film Ben and Matt would be producing through their new company, Artists Equity, Ben was excited about casting Jennifer. When asked by CBS News about rumors of her being involved, he kept it quiet, saying: “We always hire the very best performers. And in this case, I can say every single person that’s been cast so far I think is the very absolute best choice.”
He eventually gave in and confirmed: “Yes, I believe Jennifer Lopez may be doing that movie.”
Once he confirmed the news, he couldn’t help but talk about how excited he was, even admitting: “Can’t make it look like she’s doing it as a favor to me, but actually she is.”
Ben then shared how special it was to work with his then-wife, saying: “What fun, what a joy to do something with her, see her be great, go to work with your wife, go to work with your best friend.”
He also said: “Because ultimately, like, your work becomes the lion’s share of what defines your life, in terms of the time you spend. And if you don’t like who you’re working with, and if you have difficulty or trouble at work, I think it’s one of the things that can really cause depression, anxiety and pain for people.”
