Jennifer Lopez Unveils Sneak Peek of New Movie with Ben Affleck Amid Marital Woes

Talk about awkward timing.

The first look at Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s new movie, “Unstoppable,” debuted on Thursday. This comes as the couple is reportedly living apart and working through the details of their impending divorce.

Amazon MGM Studios released some images of the upcoming film, which is set to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September.

Lopez, 55, stars as one of the leads in “Unstoppable,” while Affleck, 51, produced it through Artists Equity, the production company he co-founded with Matt Damon.

“Unstoppable” is based on the true story of wrestler Anthony Robles, who won the 2011 NCAA individual national championship despite being born with one leg.

In the film, Lopez portrays Robles’ mother, Judy, while Jharrel Jerome stars as Anthony Robles.

The cast also features Bobby Cannavale as Robles’ father, Rick, along with Michael Peña and Don Cheadle.

In one of the first-look images revealed by Vanity Fair, Lopez is seen wrapping her arm around Jerome’s neck, kissing his forehead. Lopez then shared this image on her Instagram Story, tagging Amazon MGM Studios and producer Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, but made no mention of Affleck or his production company.

Director William Goldenberg, in an interview with Vanity Fair, clarified that Lopez’s role was not secured because of her marriage to Affleck. He emphasized, “She had to be somebody who’s lived a life, and I felt like Jennifer was one of the few actresses who could play the part. I think that she was right for it, and it was also serendipity that he happened to be married to the person we sort of wanted all along anyway.”

Robles, now 36, praised Lopez for her dedication, noting that she spent hours conversing with his mom to prepare for the role. He shared, “She really made us feel comfortable and safe.”

“Unstoppable” marks Lopez and Affleck’s second film collaboration since their marriage in 2022. Their first project together was “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story,” a musical film released in February.

Affleck previously expressed his excitement about working with Lopez on “Unstoppable”. He told CBS News, “What fun, what a joy to do something with her, see her be great, go to work with your wife, go to work with your best friend.”

Affleck humorously added, “Can’t make it look like she’s doing it as a favor to me, but actually, she is.”

Despite their professional collaboration, rumors of a divorce after two years of marriage cloud the personal lives of ‘Bennifer’. Although not officially confirmed, tensions have been evident since May, with Affleck reportedly staying at a separate residence.

Recently, the couple listed their $60 million Beverly Hills mansion and Affleck has purchased a separate $20.5 million home in Los Angeles.

Adding to the speculation, the pair did not spend their second wedding anniversary or Lopez’s 55th birthday together last month. According to TMZ, Affleck and Lopez are not in direct contact, leaving their business managers to finalize the details of their divorce.

A source informed People that “They’re moving on separately. Jennifer is trying to find a new home to start fresh.” The insider also mentioned that Lopez “is having a good summer” and focusing on “what’s next” in her life and career.

Source: NY Post, Vanity Fair, CBS News, Amazon MGM Studios