Jennifer Lopez related to unhealthy relationships her character strayed toward in "Unstoppable." (Adrián Monroy/Medios y Media/Getty Images)
Jennifer Lopez recently opened up about the emotional depth and personal significance of her upcoming movie Unstoppable, filmed during a pivotal time in her life—the end of her marriage to Ben Affleck.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Lopez reflected on playing Judy Robles, the mother of Anthony Robles, who is trapped in an abusive marriage. “There was a lot about her that I understood,” the 55-year-old actress shared, highlighting the nuances of Judy’s relationship with her husband.
“There were different sides to [her husband] that the kids didn’t see, that only Judy saw,” Lopez explained. “With those types of people, there’s a part of them that fools you into thinking that they care about you and that they truly love you—and it’s really about the damage that they’re putting onto you.”
The multifaceted star elaborated on Judy’s struggle, adding, “There was a lot going on with the two of them that was dysfunctional and unhealthy, but she loved him and wanted him to be there.”
Lopez revealed that her connection to the character and the story left a profound impact on her. “When I first learned about the true story behind Unstoppable, I was moved beyond words,” she said. “It’s a testament to resilience, grit, and the human spirit.”
She further praised the real-life figures behind the story. “It was such an honor playing Judy Robles in this incredible story about her son Anthony Robles. Both Anthony and Judy are real examples and define what it means to be UNSTOPPABLE,” Lopez concluded.
Set for a limited theatrical release on December 6, Unstoppable chronicles the inspiring journey of Anthony Robles, a wrestler born with one leg, who defied all odds to win the 2011 NCAA individual wrestling national championship.
Produced by Ben Affleck and his long-time collaborator Matt Damon, the film features a stellar cast, including Jharrell Jerome as Anthony, alongside Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle.
Lopez’s portrayal of Judy Robles offers a glimpse into the resilience of a mother navigating her own struggles while supporting her son’s dreams. As the movie’s title suggests, Unstoppable is poised to deliver a powerful message of perseverance and strength.
