Entertainment
Jennifer Lopez says challenging “Kiss of the Spider Woman” role is something she’s “wanted to do my whole life”
Jennifer Lopez says her latest project, a musical film exploring an unlikely bond between a transgender character and a political revolutionary, arrives at a moment when a message of acceptance is necessary.
“I think it’s necessary because the world is in a place where there’s a lot of hate … there’s a demonization of like the Latino community, of the queer community….and I think, you know, we need to remind each other that love is the answer – not hate,” Lopez told “CBS Mornings” co-anchor Gayle King about the new film, “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” which hits theaters Friday.
Lopez said she was “immediately floored” when she read the script for the film by writer and director Bill Condon, known for his work on “Chicago” and “Dreamgirls.” The movie is based on a 1970s novel by Manuel Puig, which Lopez described as being far ahead of its time.
The story’s central message focuses 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 bond.
“I thought to myself: this is something I’ve wanted to do my whole life,” she said.
Playing three “very different characters”
Lopez said the last time she felt that same thrill was when she was preparing for her star role in “Selena.” In “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” Lopez plays three different versions of the same woman.
“They’re the same person, but they’re three very different iterations of this woman and they’re all very different characters and they have very different looks as well. And that was fun. But I think the essence of who they were was very different, but still the same. And I think that was the challenge,” Lopez explained.
Lopez said the film’s core message is about seeing past differences.
“When you forget about all those things, if you forget about somebody’s political views and you forget, we’re all entitled to our opinions about everything and our ways of thinking, and even, you know, from where we grew up and where we’re from all over the world. But the truth is, we’re all human, we’re all the same. And if we can just see that we can allow people to be who they are and love each other anyway,” she said.
She also spoke about her character, Ingrid Luna, who appears in one musical sequence. In that scene, Ingrid helps another character escape the harsh reality of prison through a fantasy-like performance. The number, titled “Where You Are,” serves as an emotional moment of release, inviting the character to forget his surroundings and find comfort through imagination.
“And I think that’s what art and music and movies…films do for people. You know, and especially in difficult times of their life, I know for me, it definitely has been that way,” Lopez said.
Bad Bunny and the power of music
Lopez and Shakira headlined the Pepsi Super Bowl LIV halftime show, with a special guest performance from Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny during a rendition of “I Like it.”
As Bad Bunny now prepares to take the NFL’s biggest stage for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX halftime show, Lopez is sharing her appreciation for the artist as he encourages people to learn Spanish. She said the message behind his performance, much like her new film, centers on love and openness, encouraging people not to close themselves off to new experiences.
“Music and art transcends language. It doesn’t matter,” she said. “And he’s done that probably more than anybody of any generation he really 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 to experiences that you might be missing out on something wonderful. Don’t do that to yourself. That’s what I would say,” she said.
She praised a moment when Bad Bunny brought singer Marc Anthony, the father of Lopez’s children, onstage 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 perfect– God didn’t let me see it, because I would’ve exploded. I would’ve died,” Lopez said.
For Lopez, it’s always important to keep her mind and heart open, telling King she still considers herself a “hopeful romantic” – the term she told King she preferred over “hopeless romantic” in an interview in 2022.
“100%. 100%. And the more self aware I become with the lessons that I learn and the hardships that I go through, the more I feel whole and complete on my own, the more I become hopeful for that same type of person to come into my life,” said Lopez. “The more I know the more, you know, that type of person will come into my life. Yeah. And so I’m excited for everything in the future.”
- Day being observed under “Shaping a Future at Peace” theme this year.
- President warns of AI misuse, fake news, global media manipulation risks.
- PM highlights journalism’s role in informed society and public awareness.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting press freedom on World Press Freedom Day.
The day is being observed under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace” this year.
The president and the prime minister emphasised the role of responsible journalism, truth, and credible information in strengthening democracy, national unity, and creating a conducive environment for media freedom.
In his message, President Zardari extended greetings to media workers globally and warned of increasing global threats to press freedom, including misinformation, disinformation, artificial intelligence misuse, algorithmic manipulation, and pressure from powerful tech platforms and social media companies.
He said such forces can distort public discourse and weaken democratic values. Reaffirming constitutional commitment under Articles 19 and 19-A, he said a free press is essential for accountability, transparency, and democracy.
The president said that this year’s theme highlights that peace depends on truth, and truth depends on courageous journalism.
“At the same time, freedom brings responsibility. Accuracy must not be sacrificed for speed and balance must not give way to partisanship. Public trust, the most valuable asset of free press, must be earned, protected and never taken for granted,”he added.
He also referred to Pakistan’s unified response during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, praising the media for countering false narratives and maintaining national cohesion. The President also paid tribute to journalists who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of truth and called for stronger protections and safer working conditions for media professionals.
He also urged citizens to reject falsehood and support credible journalism, and called upon both federal and provincial governments to ensure enabling laws and safe working conditions for journalists across the country.
Separately, PM Shebhaz paid tribute to journalists and media professionals worldwide for their services, stating that journalism plays a vital role in building an informed society.
He stressed that authentic, unbiased, and verified reporting is the foundation of journalism, while urging media professionals to prevent the spread of propaganda, fake news, and unverified content.
He said responsible journalism contributes to peace by shaping informed public opinion and strengthening international understanding.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty and emphasised the importance of adapting to digital transformation while maintaining credibility.
Warning against the rise of fake news and disinformation campaigns, he called on journalists to uphold verification, integrity, and professional ethics, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and enabling environment for press freedom.
He further said that the media can play a constructive role in strengthening international relations, economic cooperation, and societal harmony, and emphasised that while speed is important in the digital era, it must never come at the cost of accuracy and verification, as public trust remains the most valuable asset of journalism.
King Charles’ team released a fresh statement as Princess Eugenie once again became the talk of the town due to her third pregnancy rumours.
On the official social media channels of the royal family, the monarch’s personal message has been shared following his trip to Bermuda.
Buckingham Palace revealed that the King expressed gratitude towards the people of Bermuda for welcoming him with big hearts.
“Thank you to all the people of Bermuda for such a wonderful few days and for the fond memories that will last a lifetime,” King Charles began his statement.
He added, “I carry your joyful enthusiasm home with me, with my most heartfelt gratitude for your kind support and for that famous island hospitality. Until we meet again…”
It is worth noting that King Charles’ heartfelt note emerged during a time when both York sisters, Beatrice and Eugenie, were spotted by the cameras.
The daughters of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were captured enjoying lunch in Mayfair, London.
However, the detail which attracted fans was Eugenie’s ‘baby bump,’ visible in the photos.
Notably, no official confirmation or rejection has been made by Princess Eugenie or the royal family as of now.
When former New York Giants’ placekicker Younghoe Koo completely missed the ball on a field goal attempt against the New England Patriots last December, the broadcasters weren’t the only ones laughing.
Mark Toothaker, a stallion sales manager for Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, was on the couch cracking up with his wife, Malory, about the whiffed field goal and consequential turnover.
Then, he felt something strange.
“I felt a shock in my left arm, and then I never felt anything else. Had no pain, anything after that,” Toothaker said.
He didn’t wake up for 25 minutes and was told at the hospital that he suffered a seizure.
Doctors also revealed the shocking news that he had a brain tumor the size of a tennis ball.
Luckily, his wife Malory is a nurse.
“Just happened at absolutely the right place if it had to happen,” Toothaker said. “I could have died, I mean, I’m on the road all the time.”
The tumor was benign, and Toothaker was home from the hospital after a whirlwind 24 hours.
But as he prepared for this year’s Kentucky Derby, where he was hoping to be in the winner’s circle with Spendthrift’s horse, Further Ado, he still thought about Koo, and the whiff that led to the tumor’s discovery.
Toothaker reached out to the kicker, who made the Pro Bowl and led the NFL in points with Atlanta in 2020.
“I’d love to have him come to the races, or come visit Spendthrift,” Toothaker said prior to Saturday’s race. “If he wants to go racing, we’ll go racing. If he wants to come out and see the mares and foals, it’d be my honor to come out and show him around this beautiful farm that we have here in Lexington, Kentucky.”
Further Ado ultimately finished Saturday’s Derby in 11th place.
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