Jennifer Lopez recently shared her experience portraying the complex character of Judy Robles in the upcoming biographical sports drama Unstoppable.
Directed by William Goldenberg in his feature debut, the film revolves around the inspiring journey of Anthony Robles, played by Jharrel Jerome. Anthony, born with one leg, defied the odds to become an NCAA wrestling champion. The film is based on Robles’ 2012 memoir, co-authored by Austin Murphy.
Lopez, during an interview, reflected on how relatable Judy’s struggles were. She described Judy’s life as emblematic of the challenges faced by women, particularly mothers, who find themselves in difficult or unhealthy relationships.
Lopez noted that such dynamics are universal, saying, “I think all of us do. I don’t think there’s anybody who is exempt from experiencing those types of things at times.”
In preparation for the role, Lopez had conversations with Judy Robles, where they openly discussed their personal experiences and struggles. These conversations helped Lopez connect deeply with the character, blending her own experiences with Judy’s, making the portrayal emotionally powerful yet challenging. She revealed that some moments on set hit “too close” to home, leading her to struggle at times with the emotional weight of the character.
Produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon under Artists Equity, and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas through Nuyorican Productions, Unstoppable features an ensemble cast, including Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle. The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in December 2024, through Amazon MGM Studios.
