Jennifer Lopez reveals how she set aside her 'ego' while working in Ben Affleck's film: 'I disappeared'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jennifer Lopez recently opened up about her decision to set aside her "ego" while starring in her ex-husband Ben Affleck's upcoming movie 'Unstoppable'.
The film, based on the true story of wrestler Anthony Robles, is produced by Affleck and his longtime friend Matt Damon. Lopez plays Judy Robles, Anthony's mother, and in an interview with Amazon/MGM, she explained how she approached the role with respect and humility.
Jennifer Lopez says she Immerses herself in the role of Judy Robles in Ben Affleck's 'Unstoppable'
"It was an honor to be a part of Anthony's story and to play Judy," Jennifer Lopez, 55, shared. "I approached the role with a complete lack of ego where you have to go in there and have so much respect for the person you are playing because it's her story," she added.
Lopez went on to describe how she fully immersed herself in the character, saying, “I disappeared, there was no Jennifer, no J Lo - that person on the screen is just Judy,” she said. She added that she was fortunate to spend time with Robles and learn more about her life, both as a mother and as a person.
The film, scheduled to release in theatres on December 6, 2024, and premiere on Prime Video in January 2025, is a passion project for both Affleck and Damon. Affleck, who also directed Unstoppable, has praised Lopez's performance, calling her “spectacular.”
“Unstoppable is a very different movie than [Small Things Like These], but in a way, it’s similarly rooted in the passion of really talented artists,” Affleck told Entertainment Tonight, adding “Jennifer and Don Cheadle and Jharrel [Jeremiah] and Bobby Cannavale – all of whom were really passionate about this film.”
Jennifer Lopez reflects on professional collaboration with Ben Affleck amid personal struggles
When asked about her estranged husband's praise for her work, Jennifer Lopez responded, "I would describe all of the cast and everybody behind the scenes as spectacular and wonderful."
Despite their personal issues, Lopez and Affleck have proven they can collaborate professionally. However, their romantic relationship has been tumultuous. The couple first met while filming Gigli in 2003, but their relationship ended in a highly publicized split. They briefly rekindled their romance in 2021 before calling it quits again in mid-2024.
Lopez admitted she doesn't regret the split, saying, "I was thinking about this time in my life, and I’m like, ‘That’s not what I thought it was going to turn out like.’ And then I thought, ‘No, this is exactly where I needed to be, to lead me to where I want to go.’”
While both have moved on and continue to focus on their careers and families, Lopez emphasized the growth and lessons she has gained from the experience. "It almost took me out for good,” she said, reflecting on the heartbreak. “But now, on the other side of it, I think to myself, ‘F--k, that is exactly what I needed.’”
