Jennifer Lopez has never been shy about discussing her career highs and lows. But this time, she has opened up about a choice that still troubles her to this day. Looking back, she admitted there was one film she walked away from, and it went on to become a major success.
Back then, Lopez believed the script wasn’t strong enough, but now says the memory of that decision refuses to fade. It still haunts her as the actress who stepped into the role went on to impress the Academy and secured an Oscar nod.
The Film Jennifer Lopez Regrets Turning Down
In a recent conversation with Howard Stern, Jennifer Lopez was asked if there was ever a role she regretted turning down. Without hesitation, she confirmed it was the 2002 film ‘Unfaithful.’ She revealed that director Adrian Lyne had offered her the leading role. But she didn’t feel convinced by the script. Lopez explained that she didn’t believe it was fully developed, so she chose to pass on it.
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However, the singer-actress admitted she later realized her mistake when she saw how the project turned out. She said that Diane Lyne transformed the material into something powerful, and she couldn’t understand why she hadn’t recognized that potential. Looking back, Lopez confessed that she must have been in a strange headspace because in no way could she justify her own decision after the film’s release.
But this wasn’t the first time she spoke about it. In an earlier interview, she had also recalled turning it down. Even then, she acknowledged that Adrian Lyne ended up creating something brilliant, making it just another instance of a different star stepping in and delivering a remarkable performance.
After Lopez turned down ‘Unfaithful,’ the role eventually went to Diane Lane, who starred opposite Richard Gere. Lopez admitted that watching Lane bring the character to life made her reflect deeply on what she had given up. Later, Lane went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, as well as a Golden Globe nomination.
Lopez said the decision still “haunts” her, not because she resented Lane’s success, but because she regretted missing the chance to work with Adrian Lyne. The erotic thriller, made on a $50 million budget, went on to gross $119 million at the box office.
Lopez Is Pushing Forward With New Challenges
Despite that regret, Lopez has continued to take on bold and demanding roles. She is currently promoting ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman.’ It’s a remake of Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel, set during Argentina’s Dirty War, which follows Luis Molina. Lopez plays Ingrid Luna, the actress his character imagines sharing scenes with, while Diego Luna portrays political activist Valentin Aregui.
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Lopez further revealed that director Bill Condon chose to film several key scenes in single takes, which also include the musical sequences. She described it as challenging, especially with the time and budget limitations common in independent films. Even though it seemed quite intimidating, she did it. Besides, the entire cast put their heart into the project. Whichever way it turned out, Lopez continues to embrace risks and push herself forward.
