Jennifer Lopez attended the premiere of “Unstoppable” at the Toronto Film Festival. The film, a heartfelt sports drama, stars Lopez as a supportive mother of five and was produced by her ex-husband Ben Affleck’s production company Artists Equity. Despite Affleck’s absence at the festival, his friend and co-founder of the company, Matt Damon, walked the red carpet with Lopez and other co-stars, including Jharrel Jerome, Don Cheadle, and Bobby Cannavale.
“Unstoppable” tells the inspirational true story of college wrestler Anthony Robles, who was born without a right leg but overcame his disability to excel in the sport. Audience members at the premiere reacted positively to the film, breaking into applause several times and becoming emotional at poignant moments. The real Robles received a two-minute standing ovation at the end of the screening, with Damon praising the younger stars for their performances.
During a post-screening Q&A session, Robles and Lopez both received warm receptions from the audience. Lopez expressed a connection to Anthony’s mother, Judy Robles, who faces challenges while supporting her son’s dreams. Lopez felt that the struggles depicted in the film were relatable to many women, including herself. She appreciated the opportunity to connect with Judy via Zoom before filming, describing it as a unique experience.
The film was directed by William Goldenberg, who praised Affleck and Damon for their support and faith in him. Goldenberg, who previously worked on Affleck’s films as an editor, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make his feature directorial debut with “Unstoppable.” The cast and crew of the film, including Lopez, were commended for their performances by Judy Robles during the Q&A session.
Lopez shared her experience of portraying a real person in “Unstoppable,” noting that she was able to connect with Judy on a personal level. She emphasized the similarities in their experiences as mothers and the heart of who they are as individuals. Despite having played real people in the past, Lopez found this role particularly inspiring and impactful, thanks to the connection she formed with Judy through their shared experiences.
Overall, “Unstoppable” was well-received at the Toronto Film Festival premiere, with audience members applauding the performances of the cast and the inspirational true story it portrays. The film’s themes of perseverance, support, and overcoming challenges resonated with viewers, who responded emotionally to the on-screen journey of Anthony Robles and his mother. Lopez’s portrayal of Judy Robles was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, showcasing her range as an actress in a role that allowed her to connect with the character on a personal level.
