Jennifer Lopez has always had a deep personal connection to musicals, and her journey has now come full circle with her involvement in the upcoming film Kiss of the Spider Woman. At the Sundance Film Festival premiere, Lopez shared an emotional moment with the film’s director, Bill Condon, and her co-star, Tonatiuh Elizarraraz, during a Q&A session after the screening. The trio received two standing ovations, and Lopez was visibly moved, stating, “I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life.”
Lopez reflected on her love for musicals, explaining that her mother introduced her to them by showing her West Side Story on TV every Thanksgiving. She said that watching the film inspired her to pursue a career in entertainment, and working on this project fulfilled a lifelong dream: “That’s what I want to do. That was always my goal.”
Kiss of the Spider Woman is based on the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig, which was turned into a 1985 film and later adapted into a Tony-winning Broadway musical in 1993. The plot revolves around two men in an Argentine prison: a political prisoner (played by Diego Luna) and a queer window dresser (Elizarraraz). They bond over stories about a Hollywood musical, which features a character played by Lopez.
At the screening, Condon also addressed the political context surrounding the film, particularly in relation to the controversial policy declaration by former President Donald Trump, who announced that the federal government would only recognize two genders. Condon pointed out the timely relevance of the film’s themes, which focus on bridging divides between people. He emphasized the importance of kindness and love, adding that the movie offers a different perspective on issues of gender and identity.
The release date for the film has not yet been announced.