Jennifer Lopez is set to portray Judy Robles, the mother of wrestling icon Anthony Robles, in the upcoming film Unstoppable. Judy Robles, who raised her four children while enduring a toxic and abusive relationship, is a character that Lopez feels deeply connected to, especially as she navigates her own personal experiences.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Lopez shared that she could relate to Judy’s decision to remain in an unhealthy relationship with her abusive and unfaithful husband. “There was a lot about her that I understood,” Lopez explained, particularly reflecting on her own ongoing divorce from Ben Affleck. “There were different sides to him that the kids didn’t see, that only Judy saw.”
Lopez went on to explain the emotional manipulation that often occurs in toxic relationships, noting that such individuals have a way of making their partners feel as though they are loved and cared for. “With those types of people, there’s a part of them that fools you into thinking that they care about you and that they truly love you — and it’s really about their damage that they’re putting onto you,” Lopez said, acknowledging the complexity of Judy’s emotional turmoil.
The actress also discussed the challenging relationship between Judy and her husband, emphasizing how, despite their dysfunctional and unhealthy dynamic, Judy still loved him and wanted him to be present for their children. “There was a lot going on with the two of them that was dysfunctional and unhealthy, but she loved him and wanted him to be there. He was the father of four of her children,” Lopez said.
Lopez reflected on how Judy’s emotional struggle played out in the film, highlighting the heartbreaking reality of someone who, despite being hurt, continues to long for the person who caused that pain. “As angry and upset as she could be at him, she could also welcome him back in a second, like she did in the movie, which was heartbreaking,” she noted.
In conclusion, Lopez emphasized the powerful and emotional complexity of Judy’s story, stating, “There was a lot going on with the two of them that was dysfunctional and unhealthy, but she loved him and wanted him to be there.” The film promises to delve deeply into the challenges Judy faced, and Lopez’s personal connection to the character adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to her portrayal.
