Jennifer Lopez to Star in KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Film- Page 28

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 8:31am

Not surprised to see this flopping. Kiss of the Spider Woman hasn't been on Broadway since its original run in the 1990s and rarely gets produced anywhere. It's also a musical that many have never even heard of. Not to mention the fact that the subject matter has a very niche appeal.

I understand why the filmmakers wanted this to play exclusively in theaters, but I can see how it probably would’ve benefitted from a hybrid release. Like how Apple and Netflix gives some of their movies a limited theatrical run before debuting on streaming. Although it also probably would've been a better idea to start in select cities before going to more theaters.

[kadu335]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 9:25am

I’ve always felt this one was meant more as vanity project (and an awards vehicle) for everyone involved. I’m sure they all hoped for the best numbers-wise, but being industry veterans, they probably weren’t naive enough to think this had any real shot at becoming a box office hit, especially after In the Heights and West Side Story, both Latino-led musical adaptations, flopped hard, even with way bigger names behind them, more recognizable source material, and major studio backing.

The real mistake, honestly, was going for a theatrical release and putting in the bare minimum effort behind it. They should’ve done what Emilia Pérez did and gone straight to streaming (apparently it was Bill Condon’s decision to stick with theaters, even though streamers were interested). Now it’s got the “flop” tag attached to it, and that’s probably gonna be the final nail in the coffin for its awards chances.

[gibsons2]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 10:09am

east side story said: "This was supposed to be Lopez’s comeback to the Oscar conversations, but I think she’s been skunked.

Again."

Has she ever been in any Oscar conversations? Did this ever happened? I mean, JLo is an American music legend in her own right, but come on... She is a terrible actress and not much better singer, frankly. 

[gleek4114]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 10:13am

gibsons2 said: "east side story said: "This was supposed to be Lopez’s comeback to the Oscar conversations, but I think she’s been skunked.

Again."

Has she ever been in any Oscar conversations? Did this ever happened? I mean, JLo is an American musiclegend in her own right,but come on... She is a terrible actress and not much better singer, frankly."

She was very close to being nominated for Hustlers (an amazing performance) and was very much seen as a huge snub that she missed out on that nom.

[kadu335]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 10:18am

gibsons2 said: "east side story said: "This was supposed to be Lopez’s comeback to the Oscar conversations, but I think she’s been skunked.

Again."

Has she ever been in any Oscar conversations? Did this ever happened? I mean, JLo is an American musiclegend in her own right,but come on... She is a terrible actress and not much better singer, frankly."

 

Hustlers was the only time I can remember. She was widely predicted after winning a bunch of critics’ awards and getting nominated for the Golden Globes, SAG, Critics Choice, and the Spirit Awards. I think BAFTA was the only one she missed. Then she got snubbed for a nothing performance by Kathy Bates (who I usually love, but... well)

 

[joevitus]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 11:52am

kadu335 said: "I’ve always felt this one was meant more as vanity project (and an awards vehicle) for everyone involved. I’m sure they all hoped for the best numbers-wise, but being industry veterans, they probably weren’t naive enough to think this had any real shot at becoming a box office hit, especially after In the Heights and West Side Story, both Latino-led musical adaptations, flopped hard, even with way bigger names behind them, more recognizable source material, and major studio backing.

The real mistake, honestly, was going for a theatrical release and putting in the bare minimum effort behind it. They should’ve done what Emilia Pérez did and gone straight to streaming (apparently it was Bill Condon’s decision to stick with theaters, even though streamers were interested). Now it’s got the “flop” tag attached to it, and that’s probably gonna be the final nail in the coffin for its awards chances."

When people first complained about the poster, I thought it was a bit nit-picky (and I liked the image, even if I agreed the font was bland). But really the advertising has been abysmal. I'm guessing there just wasn't the money to do a strong media blitz. The movie probably never had a shot since it's so niche, but even the few ads that have run are bad and misleading. Little else in the way of publicity, either, except for a couple of morning shows and some screening Q & A's, which aren't that great at generating buzz unless they surround an intended blockbuster. 

This will probably find a better home on streaming platforms, although I think, flawed as it is, it still needs to be seen on a big screen, as the whole concept revolves around moviegoing (at both screenings, the audience chuckled when Molina said people are supposed to stay silent at the movies). 

Updated On: 10/13/25 at 11:52 AM

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 12:03pm

kadu335 said: "I’ve always felt this one was meant more as vanity project (and an awards vehicle) for everyone involved. I’m sure they all hoped for the best numbers-wise, but being industry veterans, they probably weren’t naive enough to think this had any real shot at becoming a box office hit, especially after In the Heights and West Side Story, both Latino-led musical adaptations, flopped hard, even with way bigger names behind them, more recognizable source material, and major studio backing.

The real mistake, honestly, was going for a theatrical release and putting in the bare minimum effort behind it. They should’ve done what Emilia Pérez did and gone straight to streaming (apparently it was Bill Condon’s decision to stick with theaters, even though streamers were interested). Now it’s got the “flop” tag attached to it, and that’s probably gonna be the final nail in the coffin for its awards chances."

In defense of In The Heights and West Side Story, those two films were plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic. IMO they are two of the best musical films of the decade. 

Updated On: 10/13/25 at 12:03 PM

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 12:09pm

Agreed, Carlos. West Side Story was a masterpiece.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 12:33pm

TotallyEffed said: "Agreed, Carlos. West Side Story was a masterpiece."

You mean, Spielberg’s VALENTINA’S WEST SIDE STORY. They overused Rita Moreno SO much, it totally ruined the film for me. Her first appearance in the film was magical and so well crafted. Then she kept popping up. Then SHE sings “Somewhere” AND is added to the climactic ending. Nah, I love Rita but the overkill did me in. Oy. 

[kadu335]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 12:44pm

CarlosAlberto said: "kadu335 said: "I’ve always felt this one was meant more as vanity project (and an awards vehicle) for everyone involved. I’m sure they all hoped for the best numbers-wise, but being industry veterans, they probably weren’t naive enough to think this had any real shot at becoming a box office hit, especially after In the Heights and West Side Story, both Latino-led musical adaptations, flopped hard, even with way bigger names behind them, more recognizable source material, and major studio backing.

The real mistake, honestly, was going for a theatrical release and putting in the bare minimum effort behind it. They should’ve done what Emilia Pérez did and gone straight to streaming (apparently it was Bill Condon’s decision to stick with theaters, even though streamers were interested). Now it’s got the “flop” tag attached to it, and that’s probably gonna be the final nail in the coffin for its awards chances."

In defense of In The Heights and West Side Story, those two films were plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic. IMO they are two of the best musical filmsof the decade."

I totally agree… I really enjoyed In The Heights, and West Side Story is such a triumph for Spielberg as a director’s vehicle—probably my favorite of the 21st-century movie adaptations. Their quality was never in question when I mentioned them.

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 1:01pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "TotallyEffed said: "Agreed, Carlos. West Side Story was a masterpiece."

You mean, Spielberg’s VALENTINA’S WEST SIDE STORY. They overused Rita Moreno SO much, it totally ruined the film for me. Her first appearance in the film was magical and so well crafted. Then she kept popping up. Then SHE sings “Somewhere” AND is added to the climactic ending. Nah, I love Rita but the overkill did me in. Oy."


Hush.

[BJR]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 2:06pm

Separate from whether the movie truly clicks, I feel the elephant in the room is the animosity J Lo generates right now for merely existing.
 

It’s giving Anne Hathaway like derision for everything she says and does, which I feel started with the ill-advised Affleck celebration album/movie. And even if that project was truly terrible it feels it also cause the “she ever got her due”, underdog energy she had during Huslters has turned into a “let’s humble her for wanting credibility” Madonna in Evita moment.

(And imho I rewatched Evita recently and can easily name a couple dozen performances in the subsequent 30 years that were far inferior but received noms and even wins. I wonder if that happens with this in time.) In fairness, who else but J Lo could’ve done this, and filmed a number a day in wide shot? 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 2:22pm

J Lo isn’t bad in the film. But she isn’t amazing by any stretch of the imagination. She looks like a million bucks, dances well, sings adequately. But it’s a forgettable performance of a role that could be a real feast for another performer.

Any “early Oscar buzz” for her is absolutely laughable.

[BenjaminNicholas2]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 2:33pm

Lopez can dance, but there's something off in her performance on this.

She's working so hard and you can see it.  Nothing looks magical or effortless.

It's the antithesis of what a musical should feel like. 

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 3:25pm

BJR said: "Separate from whether the movie truly clicks, I feel the elephant in the room is the animosity J Lo generates right now for merely existing.


It’s giving Anne Hathaway like derision for everything she says and does, which I feel started with the ill-advised Affleck celebration album/movie. And even if that project was truly terrible it feels it also cause the “she ever got her due”, underdog energy she had during Huslters has turned into a “let’s humble her for wanting credibility” Madonna in Evita moment.

(And imho I rewatched Evita recently and can easily name a couple dozen performances in the subsequent 30years that were far inferior but received noms and even wins. I wonder if that happens with this in time.) In fairness, who else but J Lo could’ve done this, and filmeda number a day in wide shot?"

It's because that's been J Lo's career. Vastly outsized desires to her ability. She's had a pop career unlike Madonna (in scope), but Madonna's is not known for her vocals. She will tell you that. J Lo's entire Pop Career has been built on ghost singers who do have good voices that she passes off as her own. It's why her trying this Broadway/Musical avenue to point of saying her voice is MORE suited to this than her pop career is just laughable. Anne Hathaway some people just didn't like, it's not really a question of can she act or sing. J Lo has a very narrow field of acting and singing. She's a dancer tho. That's why she excelled in Hustlers. It relied on her Dancing and ability to just be bitch.

Also, let's not pretend that J Lo was picked out of the crowd for this role. This was a project spear headed and wanted to make happen. Not something a company was working on. Who else but J Lo could do this role? Many people honestly.

Updated On: 10/13/25 at 03:25 PM

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 5:45pm

" It's because that's been J Lo's career. Vastly outsized desires to her ability."

How DARE an actress desire to stardom.  I still haven't seen the movie but doesn't this describe the character--a B level movie star who never got beyond those movies?

[willep]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 5:50pm

As someone who is completely new to Kiss of the Spider Woman, this was bad. The script was laughably bad. There were some beautifully filmed moments, but the only one who came through with some decent acting was Diego Luna. It was frustrating because it felt like there was an interesting story in there somewhere, but…oof, this wasn’t the one.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 6:10pm

EricMontreal22 said: "" It's because that's been J Lo's career. Vastly outsized desires to her ability."

How DARE an actress desire to stardom. I still haven't seen the movie but doesn't this describe the character--a B level movie star who never got beyond those movies?"

Umm... No? You never see Ingrid Luna, you just see the characters she plays. She is not a character, her characters are the character. 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 10/13/25 at 6:17pm

willep said: "As someone who is completely new to Kiss of the Spider Woman, this was bad. The script was laughably bad. There were some beautifully filmed moments, but the only one who came through with some decent acting was Diego Luna. It was frustrating because it felt like there was an interesting story in there somewhere, but…oof, this wasn’t the one."


This makes me feel a little less crazy. I thought Diego came off the best. I’m not seeing the star turn in Tonatiuh that everyone else seems to be seeing.