Jennifer Lopez reveals what compelled her to play a domestic violence victim in 'Unstoppable'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jennifer Lopez shared a deeply personal connection to her role in the new film 'Unstoppable', which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, September 6.
The 55-year-old star opened up during a Q&A session following the movie's screening, explaining why she felt a strong pull towards the project, according to the New York Post.
Jennifer Lopez says her and Judy Robles' 'similar struggles' compelled her to take up 'Unstoppable' role
In 'Unstoppable', Jennifer Lopez portrays Judy Robles, the mother of Anthony Robles, an NCAA wrestling champion born with a single leg.
The film, inspired by Robles' memoir of the same name, also depicts Judy's difficult experience with domestic violence. Lopez revealed that her character's hardships resonated with her own past struggles.
"When I read the script, I felt like so many women including myself could relate to the struggles that she had gone through in her life," said the 'Dance Again' singer, adding, "And the story, being a Latino story, being so inspiring. It was something that kind of grabbed me. And I was, like, OK, this is really really interesting."
Lopez's decision to accept the role was further solidified after meeting Judy over Zoom.
"Just talking to her I realized we’re almost the same person in a weird way even though we’re so different and had such different lives — that at the core, in the heart of who we were, first we were moms. And beyond that we had similar struggles," recounted the actress.
She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to converse with Judy, contrasting it with her previous experiences playing real-life figures like Selena and Puchi, where she couldn't interact with them directly.
"Thank God they’re alive! Because I’ve played real-life people too. I played Selena, I played Puchi. And I didn’t have, I wasn’t able to speak to them obviously. So this was a different kind of experience," noted Lopez.
Jennifer Lopez celebrates Judy Robles' resilience and dedication to her family
During the Q&A session, Jennifer Lopez, joined by Judy Robles, Bobby Cannavale, and Don Cheadle, praised Judy’s dedication to her family despite the adversities she faced.
"It was a pleasure and an honor to not only meet but to portray a woman who poured her heart, her soul, and her blood literally into her children, teaching them that nothing is more important than family," stated 'The Boy Next Door' actress.
She added, "Against all odds and obstacles she rose leading by example to show her children that they too could be unstoppable."
Jennifer Lopez reflected on past abusive relationships in 'The Greatest Love Story Never Told' documentary
In her recent documentary, 'The Greatest Love Story Never Told', Lopez discussed her experiences with abusive relationships. Although she clarified that she was never physically beaten, she recounted feeling mistreated and disrespected in some of her relationships.
"There were people in my life who said 'I love you' and then didn’t do things that were kind of in line with the word 'love,'" revealed the singer, adding, "Being thrown around and manhandled like that is not fun."
She elaborated, "I mean, I was never in a relationship where I got beat up, thank God, but I’ve definitely been manhandled and a couple of other unsavory things. Rough. Disrespectful."
Lopez's list of past partners includes high-profile figures such as Sean "Diddy" Combs, Alex Rodriguez, and Tommy Mottola, and her four ex-husbands: Ojani Noa, Cris Judd, and Marc Anthony, along with her most recent ex, Ben Affleck.
The 55-year-old co-produced 'Unstoppable' with Affleck and his lifelong friend Matt Damon. However, the 'Gone Girl' actor was absent from the premiere.
Lopez dazzled on the TIFF red carpet, her first public appearance since filing for divorce from Affleck, in a striking floor-length mirror ball gown.
