The highly anticipated New York City premiere of the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman took place on Monday, October 6. This star-studded event featured the musical's lead actress, Jennifer Lopez, alongside the film's executive producer, Ben Affleck. Their unexpected reunion on the red carpet sparked excitement and interest among fans and media alike.
Both Lopez and Affleck, who are well-known for their past relationship, posed together, showcasing their continued support for each other's professional journeys. Affleck, 53, has been instrumental in the film's production through his company, Artist Equity, which he co-founded with Matt Damon.
During the premiere, the former couple was spotted engaging in friendly conversation, and Affleck took the opportunity to address the press, sharing insights about the film. Lopez, 56, dazzled the crowd in a sculptural gown from Harris Reed's spring 2026 collection, further solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
Before the film screening, Lopez expressed her gratitude to Affleck, stating, “Thank you so much, thank you everybody for being here tonight. Thank you, Ben, this movie wouldn’t have been made without Ben and without Artist Equity.” She elaborated on her excitement about the project, saying, “I read the script, I was floored. I get to sing, I get to dance, I get to act. I get to be an old-time Hollywood movie star.”
Affleck's presence at the premiere comes after their divorce in 2024, following a rekindled romance that began in 2021. The couple initially met in 2002, became engaged in 2004, and after a series of relationships and family commitments, they married in a Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022. Their journey together has been complex, yet they continue to support each other's careers.
In a recent appearance on the TODAY show, Lopez emphasized Affleck's significant contribution to the film's production. “If it wasn’t for Ben, the movie wouldn’t have gotten made,” she stated, adding, “And I will always give him that credit.” She also reflected on their divorce, acknowledging the challenges that life presents: “Things happen, you have to keep going.”
Lopez further explained how working on Kiss of the Spider Woman has been a healing experience for her. “It’s funny, the movie is about escapism. It’s about how movies and art save us in the hardest times of our lives,” she shared. “Doing this project was such a dream come true for me that it really got me through to kind of survive a moment that was difficult in my personal life.”
Just days before the premiere, Lopez opened up about filming the musical during a challenging time in her personal life. “It was a really tough time,” she admitted. “Every moment on set, every moment I was doing this role, I was so happy, and then it was like, back home, it was not great.” This candid reflection highlights the emotional complexity of her recent experiences.
The new adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman first premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is a reimagining of the beloved stage musical originally created by Kander, Ebb, and Terrence McNally, which debuted on Broadway in 1993. This film also draws inspiration from the 1985 movie starring William Hurt, Raul Julia, and Sônia Braga, all based on Argentine writer Manuel Puig's 1976 novel.
Directed by Bill Condon, known for his work on Chicago, the film features Lopez alongside Diego Luna and Tonatiuh, portraying a silver screen diva named Ingrid Luna. With an impressive cast and a powerful story, Kiss of the Spider Woman is set to captivate audiences when it hits theaters on October 10.
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