Jennifer Lopez says her latest musical film, Kiss of the Spider Woman, comes at a crucial time for a world facing “a lot of hate.” The film explores an unexpected bond between a transgender character and a political revolutionary, carrying a message Lopez believes is urgently needed.
“We need to remind each other that love is the answer — not hate,” Lopez told CBS Mornings co-anchor Gayle King.
A Story Ahead of Its Time
Directed by Bill Condon (Chicago, Dreamgirls), the movie is based on Manuel Puig’s 1970s novel. Lopez said she was “immediately floored” by the script, describing the story as ahead of its time. It follows two characters from different worlds who, through extraordinary circumstances, come to see each other’s humanity and form a deep bond.
“This is something I’ve wanted to do my whole life,” Lopez said.
Playing Three Versions of One Woman
Lopez plays three different iterations of the same character, Ingrid Luna, in what she called one of her most challenging roles since Selena.
“They’re the same person, but they’re three very different iterations… The essence of who they were was very different, but still the same. And I think that was the challenge,” she explained.
One standout sequence features Ingrid performing “Where You Are,” a musical number that helps another character escape the harsh reality of prison through imagination.
“That’s what art and music and movies do for people—especially in difficult times,” Lopez said.
A Message of Acceptance
Lopez emphasized that the film’s core message is about looking past differences.
“The truth is, we’re all human, we’re all the same. If we can just see that, we can allow people to be who they are and love each other anyway,” she said.
Lopez on Bad Bunny and Artistic Openness
Reflecting on her own Super Bowl halftime performance with Shakira and Bad Bunny, Lopez praised the Puerto Rican artist as he prepares to headline the upcoming Apple Music Super Bowl LX halftime show.
“Music and art transcend language. He’s done that probably more than anybody of any generation,” she said.
She admired a moment when Bad Bunny brought Marc Anthony, the father of her children, onstage in Puerto Rico.
“It couldn’t have been a more perfect moment,” Lopez said.
Still a “Hopeful Romantic”
Lopez told King she prefers the term “hopeful romantic” over “hopeless romantic,” a mindset that continues to guide her personal life.
“The more self-aware I become and the more complete I feel on my own, the more I become hopeful for that same type of person to come into my life,” she said. “I’m excited for everything in the future.”
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