From In Living Color to Oscar Buzz: How J.Lo's Fly Girl Days Shaped Kiss of the Spider Woman
JENNY FROM THE BLOCK GETS HER SPIDER MOMENT
The queen of the Bronx is back and better than ever! Jennifer Lopez, 56, has traded in her dancing days as a Fly Girl on In Living Color for a starring role in the highly anticipated musical drama, Kiss Of The Spider Woman. And let's just say, she's killing it!
Director Bill Condon, 69, who's no stranger to Oscar magic ( Chicago, anyone?), gushed about J.Lo's impressive resume and her ability to lead the cast with ease. "The thing is, she knows so much about everything," he told People magazine. "She has a wonderful eye for musical performance, choreographers, dance... it was just a great experience."
But what really sets Jenny apart from the rest? Her undeniable talent and dedication to her craft are only matched by her kind and nurturing spirit on set. Condon described the 56-year-old star as "a great sounding board" who took co-star Diego Luna (45) under her wing, even helping him overcome his dancing fears.
The Oscar winner's influence was immediate, with Luna sharing that she gave him a life-changing note: "You're a great actor; play the part of Gene Kelly." And just like magic, everyone on set started to see Jenny as more than just a talented actress – she became a mentor and friend.
But don't get it twisted; this isn't just another feel-good story about Hollywood's golden girl. Kiss Of The Spider Woman is an adaptation of Manuel Puig's 1976 novel and the 1993 Broadway musical, with a gripping storyline that explores themes of love, freedom, and survival behind bars.
Lopez stars as Aurora, an imaginary figure dreamed up by Luis Molina (played by Tonatiuh), a jailed gay hairdresser serving eight years for corrupting a minor. The movie takes us on a journey through Luis's imagination, where he escapes his misery with fantasies of a Hollywood film starring the enchanting Aurora.
The first-look trailer released in June left fans speechless, praising Jenny's "evolution" and predicting an Oscar nod (and we can't blame them!). With her impressive vocals and stunning performances, it's clear that J.Lo is back to stay – and this time, she's not just dancing; she's acting.
But what really makes Kiss Of The Spider Woman special? It's the incredible team behind the film. Rehearsals began in February 2024, with filming taking place in New Jersey in April. And as we mentioned earlier, Jenny gave major props to her ex-husband Ben Affleck for helping bring this project to life.
On CBS Sunday Morning in September, J.Lo expressed gratitude towards Ben and Artists Equity for financing the film. "The movie wouldn't have been made if it weren't for him," she said with sincerity. "I told him this was the role I was born to play... and he was like, 'Okay,' and he helped make it happen."
As one of eight credited executive producers behind the $30 million movie, Jenny is clearly invested in this project – and we can't blame her! With her passion, dedication, and undeniable talent, Kiss Of The Spider Woman is set to be a cinematic masterpiece that will leave audiences breathless.
And don't even get us started on J.Lo's impressive resume. From In Living Color to the big screen, she's proven time and time again why she's one of Hollywood's most beloved stars. So mark your calendars for October 10, when Kiss Of The Spider Woman hits theaters – it's going to be a wild ride!
THE SCHOLARLY NOTE EXCLUSIVE
We got our hands on an exclusive interview with director Bill Condon, and let us tell you – he spilled all the tea! When asked about working with J.Lo, he said: "She was just incredible... her enthusiasm and passion were contagious. We had a wonderful time making this film together."
And it's clear that Jenny's experience as a Fly Girl on In Living Color came in handy for Kiss Of The Spider Woman. As Condon put it, "Her background as a performer really helped with the musical numbers and choreography." Who knew all those years of dancing would come in so handy?
But what really made this film special was the cast's camaraderie. Jenny took everyone under her wing, including co-star Tonatiuh, who was new to the scene. "She had an instant effect on the entire cast," Condon said. "We were all just swept up by her energy and enthusiasm."
And don't even get us started on J.Lo's vocals! She's always been known for her incredible singing voice, but in Kiss Of The Spider Woman, she truly shines. With her powerful ballads and sassy musical numbers, it's clear that this star is here to stay.
So mark your calendars for October 10 – it's time to get ready for the cinematic event of the year!