Jennifer Lopez took on a bold new role in the musical drama film adaptation of Kiss of a Spider Woman. The movie brings the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical to the big screen, telling the story of two unlikely cellmates in an Argentine prison during the country’s turbulent political period.
The 2025 film stars Jennifer Lopez as Ingrid Luna, a glamorous movie star who exists in the fantasies shared between prisoners Valentín and Molina, played by Diego Luna and Tonatiuh respectively. Director Bill Condon adapts the stage musical, which itself was based on Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel, creating a visually striking contrast between gritty prison reality and lavish Hollywood-style musical sequences.
The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January 2025 to positive reviews and standing ovations. It will reach theaters nationwide on October 10, 2025, marking Lopez’s return to musical cinema in a project that showcases both her acting range and vocal abilities in this complex, emotionally charged story.
Key Takeaways
- Jennifer Lopez stars as a glamorous movie star in this musical adaptation arriving in theaters October 2025
- The film transforms the acclaimed Broadway musical into a cinematic experience contrasting prison drama with fantasy sequences
- Critics praised the performances at Sundance, particularly highlighting the chemistry between the three lead actors
Kiss of a Spider Woman: The 2025 Movie and Broadway Legacy
The 2025 film brings Manuel Puig’s acclaimed novel full circle through multiple adaptations, from Broadway stages to Hollywood screens. This latest version connects directly to the Tony Award-winning musical while establishing its own cinematic identity through Bill Condon’s direction.
Origins and Previous Adaptations
Manuel Puig wrote the original novel Kiss of the Spider Woman in 1976. The story centers on two cellmates in an Argentine prison – Valentin, a political revolutionary, and Molina, a gay window dresser.
Puig adapted his own novel into a stage play in 1983. Two years later, a film adaptation starred Raúl Juliá and won Academy Awards.
The story reached Broadway in 1992 as a musical. Terrence McNally wrote the book, while John Kander and Fred Ebb composed the music and lyrics.
Chita Rivera originated the role of Aurora/Spider Woman and won a Tony Award. The Broadway musical expanded the story by making Aurora a central character who appears in fantasy sequences throughout the show.
Film Adaptation and Broadway Influence
Bill Condon wrote and directed the 2025 film adaptation. He previously directed movie musicals like Dreamgirls and Beauty and the Beast.
The film maintains the Broadway musical’s structure while making key changes. Condon created the fantasy sequences as “a film within a film” starring Jennifer Lopez as Ingrid Luna.
“I wrote it as two movies, and we made it as two movies,” Condon explained. This approach allowed him to create lavish Hollywood musical sequences separate from the prison scenes.
Several songs from the stage version were cut to avoid characters “simply breaking out into song.” The adaptation also emphasizes the romantic relationship between the two male leads more than previous versions.
The cast includes Diego Luna as Valentin and Tonatiuh as Luis Molina. Broadway veteran Josefina Scaglione also appears in the film.
Premiere, Release Date, and Reception
The movie had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in January. Screenings ran from January 25 to February 2 in Park City, Utah.
The film has a runtime of 128 minutes. It will be released in theaters on October 10, 2025 through Roadside Attractions.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon serve as producers through their company Artists Equity. The production represents Jennifer Lopez’s first role in a musical theater adaptation.
Sundance described Condon’s work as marrying “a textually rich historical and political drama with the flashy technicolor extravagance of an old Hollywood musical.” The film is currently listed on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of its theatrical release.
Cast, Creative Team, and Story Details
The 2025 musical drama film brings together an acclaimed cast led by Jennifer Lopez, Diego Luna, and Tonatiuh. Director Bill Condon adapts the story of two unlikely cellmates who bond through Hollywood fantasy.
Jennifer Lopez as Ingrid Luna and the Spider Woman
Jennifer Lopez stars in a dual role as the glamorous silver screen diva Ingrid Luna and the mysterious Spider Woman. This casting marks Lopez’s return to musical films after years focusing on other projects.
The character of Ingrid Luna represents the Hollywood musical fantasy that captivates one of the prisoners. Lopez embodies the classic movie star persona that serves as escapism from harsh prison reality.
As the Spider Woman, Lopez takes on the film’s most iconic role. This character blends seduction with danger in the story’s fantasy sequences.
The dual casting allows Lopez to showcase both her dramatic acting and musical theater skills. Her performance anchors the film’s blend of gritty prison drama and colorful musical numbers.
Key Characters: Molina and Valentín
Tonatiuh plays Molina, a window dresser convicted of public indecency who shares a prison cell with a political activist. Molina copes with imprisonment by retelling elaborate Hollywood musical plots.
Diego Luna portrays Valentín, the political prisoner who initially resists Molina’s fantasies. Luna, known for his work in Andor, brings depth to this complex character.
The supporting cast includes:
- Bruno Bichir in a key supporting role
- Josefina Scaglione as part of the ensemble
- Aline Mayagoitia in the cast
- Sonia Braga contributing her veteran presence
- Chita Rivera adding Broadway legend status
The story focuses on how these two unlikely cellmates form a bond through shared storytelling and mutual understanding.
Director, Producers, and Executive Team
Bill Condon serves as both director and screenwriter for the adaptation. Condon previously directed Dreamgirls and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, bringing extensive musical film experience.
The production team features prominent Hollywood figures. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon serve as producers through their Artists Equity production company.
Roadside Attractions handles distribution, with the film scheduled for release on October 10, 2025. The movie had its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival in January 2025.
Barry Josephson and Greg Yolen work as key producers on the project. Multiple executive producers oversee the production to bring this Broadway adaptation to screen.
The creative team adapted the material from the stage musical by Terrence McNally, John Kander, and Fred Ebb. This represents the second film adaptation of Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel.
Frequently Asked Questions
The film was directed by Bill Condon and premiered at Sundance in January 2025. Lopez plays Aurora, a fantasy character, marking her first movie musical role.
Who directed the film that featured Jennifer Lopez in ‘Kiss of a Spider Woman’?
Bill Condon wrote and directed the 2025 adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman. Condon has experience with movie musicals, having previously directed Chicago and Beauty and the Beast.
The project brought together multiple producers including Ben Affleck and Matt Damon under their Artists Equity banner. Lopez also served as co-producer alongside her longtime collaborators.
What year was the ‘Kiss of a Spider Woman’ movie starring Jennifer Lopez released?
Kiss of the Spider Woman is a 2025 film that had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January. The movie does not yet have an official wide release date announced.
Filming began in New Jersey in April 2024 and wrapped in June. The production also shot scenes in Uruguay during the filming process.
Which character does Jennifer Lopez portray in ‘Kiss of a Spider Woman’?
Lopez portrays Aurora, a fantasy woman created in the imagination of Luis Molina. Aurora appears in classic movies that Molina dreams about while imprisoned.
The character serves as an escape for Molina, who conjures her up during his time in an Argentine prison. Aurora takes on various roles including the spider woman herself.
What are the main themes explored in the ‘Kiss of a Spider Woman’ film with Jennifer Lopez?
The film explores themes of escapism and survival in harsh conditions. Set in Argentina around 1981, it focuses on prisoners using fantasy to cope with reality.
The story examines the relationship between a gay hairdresser and a political prisoner. Their unlikely bond forms through shared storytelling and imagination during confinement.
How does Jennifer Lopez’s performance in ‘Kiss of a Spider Woman’ differ from her roles in other films?
This marks Lopez’s debut in a movie musical, combining her singing and acting skills in a dramatic role. She described the experience as both exhilarating and exhausting due to the demanding musical numbers.
Lopez said the role required intense physical preparation. She noted being in the best shape of her career after completing the singing and dancing sequences.
Have there been any notable awards or nominations for the ‘Kiss of a Spider Woman’ movie featuring Jennifer Lopez?
The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January 2025, but award nominations have not yet been announced. Lopez became emotional at the premiere, saying she had been waiting for this moment her whole life.
The original Broadway musical won seven Tony Awards in 1993. The new film adaptation will compete in upcoming award seasons as it receives wider distribution.
