Jennifer Lopez says her latest project, a musical film exploring the unlikely connection between a transgender character and a political revolutionary, comes at a time when a message of acceptance is needed.
“I think it's necessary because the world is in a place where there's a lot of hate… there's a demonization of the Latino community, the gay community… and I think, you know, we need to remind each other that the answer is love, not hate,” Lopez told CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King about the new movie Kiss of the Spider Woman, which will be released in cinemas on Friday.
Lopez said she was “immediately blown away” when she read the film's script, written by writer and director Bill Condon, known for his work on “Chicago” and “Dreamgirls.” The film is based on Manuel Puig's 1970s novel, which Lopez says was way ahead of its time.
The story's central message centers on a transgender character and a cisgender political revolutionary who come from completely different worlds but, through extraordinary circumstances, come to recognize each other's humanity and develop a deep connection.
“I thought to myself: This is what I’ve wanted to do my whole life,” she said.
Playing three “completely different characters”
Lopez said the last time she felt this kind of excitement was when she was preparing for her starring role in “Selena.” In Kiss of the Spider Woman, Lopez plays three different versions of the same woman.
“It's the same person, but it's three very different iterations of this woman, and they're all very different characters, and they have very different looks. And it was fun. But I think the essence of who they were was very different, but still the same. And I think that was the problem,” Lopez explained.
Lopez said the main idea of the film is to see past differences.
“When you forget about all these things, if you forget about somebody's political views and you forget, we all have a right to our opinion about everything and our way of thinking and even, you know, where we grew up and where we come from. But the truth is that we are all human, we are all the same. And if we just see that we can allow people to be who they are and still love each other,” she said.
She also talked about her character Ingrid Luna, who appears in one musical episode. In this scene, Ingrid helps another character escape the harsh reality of prison through a fantasy performance. The number, titled “Where Are You,” serves as an emotional moment of release, inviting the character to forget his surroundings and find solace in his imagination.
“And I think that’s what art and music and cinema…movies do for people. You know, especially during difficult times in their lives, I know that's what happens to me,” Lopez said.
Bad Bunny and the Power of Music
Lopez and Shakira headlined the Pepsi Super Bowl LIV halftime show.and a special appearance by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny during his performance of “I Like it.”
How Bad Bunny is now getting ready to take to the NFL's biggest stage at the Apple Music Super Bowl LX halftime show, Lopez shares her appreciation for the artist who encourages people to learn Spanish. She said the message of his talk, like her new film, is centered on love and openness, encouraging people not to close themselves off to new experiences.
“Music and art transcend language. It doesn't matter,” she said. “And he did it probably more than anyone in any generation that he has.”
Lopez said the Super Bowl gives artists a rare opportunity to reach new audiences and show who they are.
“It's about not having so many ideas and closing yourself off from experiences that might cause you to miss out on something great. Don't do this to yourself. That’s what I would say,” she said.
She praised the moment Bad Bunny brought singer Marc Anthony, the father of Lopez's children, on stage during a concert in Puerto Rico.
“It couldn't have been a more perfect moment. And I didn't even see it. I know it was beautiful – God wouldn't let me see it because I would have exploded. I would have died,” Lopez said.
It's always important for Lopez to keep her mind and heart open, telling King that she still considers herself a “hopeful romantic” – a term she told King she prefers to a “hopeless romantic” in interview in 2022.
“100%. 100%. And the more self-aware I am through the lessons I learn and the struggles I go through, the more I feel whole and complete in myself, the more hope I have that the same type of person will come into my life,” Lopez said. “The more I know, the more, you know, these types of people will come into my life. Yes. And so I'm looking forward to everything that happens in the future.”
