Jennifer Lopez reveals she shed her ego while working in Ben Affleck's 'Unstoppable': 'I disappeared'

Jennifer Lopez reveals she shed her ego while working in Ben Affleck's 'Unstoppable': 'I disappeared'
Jennifer Lopez shared that she fully immersed herself in her character while starring in her ex-husband Ben Affleck’s upcoming film 'Unstoppable' (Getty Images)

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.

Jennifer Lopez is seen in Midtown on February 04, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
Jennifer Lopez is seen in Midtown in New York City (Gotham/GC Images)

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 be released 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.”

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 20:  Actress/singer Jennifer Lopez and actor Ben Affleck hold hands whil
Jennifer Lopez and actor Ben Affleck hold hands while filming her new music video at Barefoot restaurant in Beverly Hills, California (Mel Bouzad/Getty Images)

“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."

Jennifer Lopez arrives at a
Jennifer Lopez arrives at a 'When We Vote We Win' campaign rally for Kamala Harris at Craig Ranch Amphitheater in North Las Vegas, Nevada (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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.’”

(FILE PHOTO) Actors Ben Affleck and fiancee Jennifer Lopez attend the 75th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on March 23, 2003 in Hollywood, California.  Police in North Carolina have issued a warrant for the arrest of Ben Affleck after a woman claimed that he threatened to kill her. In a sworn statement in front of a magistrate the woman, Tara Ray, testified that Affleck had followed her home and communicated threats to her.  Aflleck's spokesman called the allegation as absurd and defamatory.
Ben Affleck and fiancee Jennifer Lopez attend the 75th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California (Getty Images)

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.’”

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