Jennifer Lopez takes on an emotionally charged role in Unstoppable, the upcoming sports drama centered on the inspiring life of wrestler Anthony Robles. Born with one leg, Robles overcame significant obstacles to become an NCAA wrestling champion. Directed by William Goldenberg and produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, the film is set to release in December 2024. It features Lopez as Judy Robles, Anthony’s determined mother, alongside Jharrel Jerome as Anthony, Bobby Cannavale as his stepfather, and Don Cheadle in a supporting role.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it received a standing ovation. Lopez, during the TIFF event, shared insights into how her personal life experiences shaped her portrayal of Judy Robles. As a mother of twins, Lopez deeply connected with the complex family dynamics at the heart of the film, drawing parallels between her own challenges in relationships and those of her character. She expressed that playing Judy was cathartic, as she understands the emotional difficulties of navigating love and dysfunction, especially as a mother.
Lopez’s portrayal of Judy Robles goes beyond just motherhood, reflecting on the struggles of maintaining a complicated relationship with her husband, Rich (played by Cannavale), Anthony’s stepfather. Lopez admitted that preparing for the role involved in-depth conversations with the real Judy Robles, where they shared personal stories. These conversations helped Lopez build a genuine connection to the character and the family’s story. She noted that acting always requires the performer to find something relatable in the character, and her experiences allowed her to portray Judy with authenticity.
Jharrel Jerome, who portrays Anthony, also noted the deep bond he and Lopez formed, rooted in their shared experiences of growing up in the Bronx and their strong connections with their mothers. He remarked that these similarities strengthened the on-screen chemistry between them, giving a realistic portrayal of the mother-son relationship.
Unstoppable is not just a sports film; it’s a story about family resilience, love, and perseverance. Both Lopez and Jerome emphasized that the film speaks to broader themes of overcoming adversity, making it relatable to audiences beyond the wrestling world. Lopez reflected on how the film challenged her emotionally, leading to personal growth, something she values deeply in her acting roles.
With Lopez’s heartfelt performance and the strong direction of William Goldenberg, Unstoppable promises to be a touching and powerful film that showcases the strength of human spirit. As Lopez channels her own understanding of complicated family dynamics into the role, she brings to life a story that resonates with anyone who has faced personal struggles.
Image Credit : Instagram/ Jennifer Lopez
