Jennifer Lopez opens up about wanting to be "the girl next door" and fitting into Latino stereotypes while starting out

Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez is currently promoting her upcoming film, Unstoppable, and appeared on Variety's Awards Circuit podcast on Thursday, November 28, 2024. The film will be released on Prime Video on January 16, 2025, after a limited time in theatres from December 6, 2024.

During her conversation with the hosts, Lopez discussed the challenges of being a Latina actress early in her Hollywood career when there was still a lack of representation. She also recalled auditioning for stereotypical roles early in her career because of the lack of Latina roles at the time.

"When I started, there weren't a lot of roles for Latinas. I was auditioning for parts with accents and stereotypes. I kept thinking, 'Why can't I just play a romantic lead? Why can't I be the girl next door?'" she said.

She also mentioned that she had enough belief in herself, which helped her push through the challenges. Lopez added that her belief and conviction that she "belonged" [to the industry] helped her "break those molds."

Jennifer Lopez noted that breaking stereotypes was something that she has in common with her latest project, Unstoppable. The Billy Goldenberg-directed film stars Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles, the one-legged wrestler who became a sports champion.

While the movie follows Robles, it also tells the story of how his mother, Judy (Lopez) tirelessly fought to support her son.

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Jennifer Lopez gets candid about identifying with her role as Judy in Unstoppable

During her interview on the Awards Circuit podcast, Jennifer Lopez discussed her role in the upcoming sports biographical drama. She noted that she wasn't given the opportunity to star in films like Unstoppable as often as she would like.

The Maid in Manhattan actress went on to discuss how she identified with her character, Judy in the upcoming film. She noted that she understood Judy's upbringing, struggles, and relationships as well as "the sacrifices Judy made for her son."

"She realized, early on, that if she didn't accept her child, how would he ever accept himself?" Lopez said about her character.

Talking about the character she portrays in the movie, Lopez said that Judy's love and growth were "universal." The actress also had nothing but good things to say about both Judy and Anthony Robles, whom she met during the film's production.

"Anthony's energy is contagious. He's so positive and full of life despite everything he's faced. Being around him is a blessing," Jennifer Lopez said.

The Atlas actress also shared her hopes about sharing Unstoppable and Robles' story to a wide audience. She said that she hoped the story "resonates with the people" as more than just a Latino story but also as "an American story of triumph and love."

Jennifer mentioned that the movie has a universality that makes it unique and described Unstoppable as something "everyone can relate to." She said that the film has themes of familial love, resilience, and the idea that someone can overcome whatever they are up against.

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Unstoppable debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6 and will be available to watch in theatres for a limited time from December 6, 2024. The Jennifer Lopez-starrer is set to drop on streaming on January 16, 2025, only on Prime Video.