Jennifer Lopez had to make a huge sacrifice to work with ex Ben Affleck and live up to the hype

Jennifer Lopez is making waves once again, this time for her transformative role in the highly anticipated sports biopic Unstoppable.

Produced by her ex-husband Ben Affleck and Matt Damon under their company Artists Equity, the film has already generated significant buzz, not just for its powerful story but also for Lopez's compelling performance as Judy Robles, the mother of real-life wrestler Anthony Robles.

Taking on this role was no small feat for the Bronx-born superstar. Lopez revealed that she had to shed her public persona entirely to embody Judy, a struggling yet fiercely determined mother.

"There was no JLo at all," Lopez shared during an interview with Amazon/MGM. "I approached the role with a complete lack of ego where you have to go in there and have so much respect for the person you are playing because it's her story. I disappeared; there was no Jennifer, no JLo-just Judy."

A Gritty Performance Garnering Oscar Buzz

Lopez's portrayal of Judy Robles is already earning her widespread acclaim, with critics calling her performance a standout. The film follows the true story of Anthony Robles, played by Jharrel Jerome, a wrestler born with one leg who overcame immense obstacles to achieve greatness.

In the trailer, Lopez delivers emotionally charged scenes that showcase her character's relentless support for her son.

"I am not letting him quit wrestling, and I am not letting him quit school," she declares, capturing Judy's fierce determination. She also inspires her son with heartfelt words: "When they see you, they don't see someone who is missing a leg; they see someone who is unstoppable."

The film also stars Bobby Cannavale as Judy's husband, Michael Pe?a as Anthony's coach, and Don Cheadle as Arizona State coach Shawn Charles. Directed by William Goldenberg, Unstoppable promises a moving narrative about resilience, family, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Lopez's work on the film comes during a time of personal change. She filed for divorce from Affleck in August after two years of marriage. Despite their separation, the two worked together professionally on the project, a testament to their shared commitment to storytelling.

Lopez described her role in the film as deeply cathartic. "Women who are moms who get in relationships, and you struggle with them, and you find yourself in dynamics that are not healthy, but you care about the person, love the person... That's those complicated dynamics about life that I understand really well," she told People.

Poised for Awards Recognition

Set for release in theaters on December 6 and streaming on Prime Video starting January 16, Unstoppable marks a new chapter in Lopez's career. While she has received Golden Globe and Emmy nominations in the past, she has yet to secure an Academy Award nod. Her performance as Judy Robles might just change that.

Jennifer Lopez's journey with Unstoppable highlights her ability to tackle challenging roles and deliver deeply moving performances.

Balancing personal hardships and professional demands, Lopez once again proves why she remains one of Hollywood's most versatile talents. With early Oscar buzz and critical praise, this film could solidify her legacy in an entirely new way.