Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, whose marriage is reportedly on the rocks, are putting their personal drama aside to promote their upcoming film, "Unstoppable," a biographical sports drama about a wrestler born with one leg. The project marks their third collaboration after the 2003 film "Gigli" and the upcoming "Kiss of the Spider Woman" adaptation. Despite rumors of a split, both Lopez and Affleck are expected to attend the film's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
Amidst swirling rumors about the state of their marriage, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have reunited professionally for the upcoming biographical sports drama, "Unstoppable." The film tells the story of Anthony Robles, a wrestler born with one leg, and stars Lopez as his mother. Affleck served as a producer on the project through his company, Artists Equity, which he co-founded with Matt Damon.
Amidst Divorce Rumors, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Reunite Professionally for "Unstoppable
Sources familiar with the production told People magazine that Lopez is expected to appear at the film's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, while Affleck's attendance is uncertain. Regardless of their individual presence, Steve Honig, founder of The Honig Company, emphasizes the obligation of the actors to prioritize the film's promotion over personal matters.
"The question they need to each ask themselves when making any decisions is simply what's best for the film," Honig told Fox News Digital. "Hundreds of people are involved in the making of a movie, and there’s an obligation on their part to properly promote it."
Amidst Divorce Rumors, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Reunite Professionally for "Unstoppable
Honig draws parallels to the professional coexistence of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, both of whom starred in films together despite their tumultuous personal lives. "This is a golden opportunity for both of them to show how they are rising above the gossip and sensational headlines and be the true professionals that they are," he said.
According to PR expert Doug Eldridge, founder of Achilles PR, the timing of the film's release and Lopez's recent divorce filing, though not intentional, is likely not coincidental. "We’re seeing a trend in Hollywood, where controversy — sometimes authentic, sometimes manufactured —surfaces right before a movie premiere," Eldridge told Fox News Digital.
Amidst Divorce Rumors, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Reunite Professionally for "Unstoppable
Eldridge suggests that the purpose of this trend is to generate buzz and interest around films that may otherwise have lower ticket sales. "The intent is apparent, if a bit overplayed: create chatter and intrigue to increase interest in a movie that could potentially have mediocre box office results," he said.
Representatives for Lopez and Affleck declined to comment on the matter. The duo also recently worked together on "Kiss of the Spider Woman," an adaptation of the 1985 Broadway musical. Filming for the movie began in April, around the same time Lopez reportedly split from Affleck. Production wrapped in June.
Amidst Divorce Rumors, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Reunite Professionally for "Unstoppable
Rumors of a rift in their marriage began circulating earlier this year, fueled by their absence from public events together. In May, Lopez told co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos on "Live with Kelly and Mark" that she was in "fighting shape" after wrapping up work on "Kiss of the Spider Woman."
Affleck, in an interview with CBS Sunday Mornings in March 2023, praised working with his then-wife on "Unstoppable." "What fun, what a joy to do something with her, see her be great, go to work with your wife, go to work with your best friend," he said.
Amidst Divorce Rumors, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Reunite Professionally for "Unstoppable
When asked by Variety earlier this year about the possibility of collaborating again in the future, Lopez expressed interest. "Maybe, in the right thing," she said. "I mean, we love working together and being together, so maybe."
Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck on Tuesday in Los Angeles County Court, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their split. The documents obtained by Fox News Digital indicate that their separation occurred on April 26. Lopez stated that she did not wish to receive or provide spousal support.
Amidst Divorce Rumors, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Reunite Professionally for "Unstoppable
Lopez's divorce filing came on the two-year anniversary of their Georgia wedding ceremony. Affleck and Lopez's first engagement took place in 2002 after meeting on the set of "Gigli." The wedding was called off at the last minute. Two decades later, they married in Las Vegas in a surprise ceremony.
Although rumors of their split began earlier this year, the whispers intensified when Affleck failed to attend Lopez's luxurious 55th birthday party in July. In the 2023 documentary "The Greatest Love Story Never Told," Affleck reflected on the intense public scrutiny they faced during their first relationship in the early 2000s.
Amidst Divorce Rumors, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Reunite Professionally for "Unstoppable
"Jen was really inspired by this experience, which is how artists do their work," Affleck said. "They get inspired by their personal life, it moves you. I know as a writer and director, I certainly do the same things. But things that are private I had always felt are sacred and special, in part because they’re private. So this was something of an adjustment for me."
In the documentary, Lopez admitted that they "just crumbled under the pressure" of being a tabloid sensation, leading them to call off their 2003 wedding days before it was supposed to happen.
Amidst Divorce Rumors, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Reunite Professionally for "Unstoppable
Despite the challenges they've faced, Lopez and Affleck's professional commitment to "Unstoppable" demonstrates their willingness to put their personal drama aside for the benefit of the film. Whether they both attend the premiere or not, the movie's success will ultimately determine whether the couple's on-screen chemistry can overcome the off-screen rumors.
