Jennifer Lopez starred in the world premiere of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, realizing a career-long aspiration to perform in a musical film. The Bill Condon-directed feature received a standing ovation at its Sunday night screening at the Eccles Theatre.
The film blends two contrasting storylines: a gritty prison drama set in 1983 Argentina and a vibrant Hollywood musical. It follows Luis Molina, a gay window dresser imprisoned on morals charges, and his cellmate Valentin Arregui, a Marxist revolutionary.
Condon reimagined the 1992 Broadway musical by creating a single fictional film within the narrative. This approach allowed Lopez to showcase her talents in elaborate musical numbers, including a Marilyn Monroe-inspired dance sequence.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life,” Lopez said after the screening, recalling her childhood inspiration from watching “West Side Story” with her mother. The film represents a technical triumph, with cinematographer Tobias Schliessler capturing both the musical sequences and prison scenes with remarkable depth.
Choreographers Christopher Scott, Sergio Trujillo, and Brandon Bieber developed dance numbers that highlight Lopez’s performance while advancing the story. The production brings together a notable team, with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon serving as executive producers alongside Lopez, Diego Luna, and Condon.
The film honors the legacy of Broadway, dedicating itself to the memories of lyricist Fred Ebb, playwright Terrence McNally, and original Broadway star Chita Rivera. Currently seeking U.S. distribution, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” marks Condon’s return to Sundance, where he previously premiered the Oscar-winning “Gods and Monsters” in 1998.
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The project continues the successful tradition of Kander and Ebb musical adaptations, following critically acclaimed films like “Cabaret” and “Chicago.”
