Kristina
Jennifer Lopez takes on the powerful role of Judy Robles, the devoted and determined mother of wrestler Anthony Robles, in the upcoming biographical sports drama Unstoppable. The movie tells the inspiring true story of Anthony, who was born with just one leg but overcame countless challenges to achieve his dream of becoming a national champion wrestler.
Set to premiere on January 16, Unstoppable shines a light on courage, resilience, and family strength. For Jennifer Lopez, being part of this project was both an honor and a deeply personal journey.
A Role Close to the Heart
Jennifer Lopez shared her thoughts on what made this story so special. “When I first read the script, I was completely moved. It wasn’t just about Anthony’s struggles, but also about his triumphs. We don’t often see these kinds of uplifting stories about Latino families, so being part of this movie felt important,” Lopez explained.
The film explores the sacrifices and determination of a single mother who never gave up on her son’s dreams. Lopez emphasized that Unstoppable celebrates perseverance and hope, especially in the face of adversity.
Meeting the Real-Life Heroes
Lopez had the opportunity to meet the real Judy Robles and her son Anthony before filming began. This experience left a lasting impact on her. “Anthony is such an extraordinary human being, but what struck me most was the strength and love his mother showed throughout his life,” Lopez said.
For Judy Robles, seeing Jennifer Lopez play her on screen was an emotional experience. “I couldn’t believe Jennifer Lopez was going to portray me. She was absolutely amazing. She didn’t just act the part—she made sure to understand who I am as a person,” Judy shared.
The bond between the two women grew stronger as they spent time discussing Judy’s struggles and triumphs as a mother. Judy revealed personal stories about the challenges she faced raising her children, and Lopez made sure to reflect these moments with authenticity in the film.
Relating Through Shared Experiences
As a mother of twins, Lopez said she deeply related to Judy’s journey. “Being a mom means making sacrifices and trying your best to give your kids the life they deserve. Sometimes we make mistakes, and we wish we could change things, but what matters is never giving up,” Lopez said.
She added that the emotional depth of the character made her performance even more meaningful. “Judy’s story reminded me of how mothers often have to be strong even when they’re struggling inside. That’s what makes her story so inspiring.”
Unstoppable Women Behind Success
Lopez believes that behind every strong person, there is often someone who has supported them along the way. In Anthony’s case, it was his mother who stood by him and encouraged him to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
“Judy didn’t let her circumstances define her. She had Anthony when she was just 16 years old, but instead of letting life’s challenges bring her down, she chose to rise above them,” Lopez said.
According to Judy, Lopez captured her personality perfectly. “Jennifer kept asking me, ‘Is this how you would react? Is this how you’d feel?’ She paid attention to the small details, and that meant a lot to me,” Judy recalled.
What Makes ‘Unstoppable’ Special?
The movie goes beyond being just a sports drama. It highlights themes of perseverance, hope, and unconditional love. Lopez feels the story will resonate with audiences because it reflects real struggles that many families face.
“Many people will see themselves in Judy. She represents so many parents who work tirelessly to give their kids the best opportunities. She shows that even if life gets hard, you can still create something beautiful out of it,” Lopez said.
Judy Robles hopes the film will inspire viewers to believe in themselves. “Anthony’s journey proves that anything is possible if you work hard and stay determined. I hope this movie gives people the strength to face their own challenges,” she said.
Exploring Family Bonds and Sacrifice
One of the most touching aspects of the film is how it highlights the bond between a mother and her child. Lopez said she admired Judy’s ability to stay strong even during the hardest times.
“When I spoke to Judy, I asked her to share her struggles with me openly. She told me about the difficulties she faced as a single mom and how she managed to stay positive for her kids,” Lopez said.
Lopez also shared how much she learned from Judy’s story. “She taught me that being a good parent isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, doing your best, and never giving up,” she added.
Why Jennifer Lopez Was Drawn to the Role
Lopez said she felt personally connected to Judy’s journey because she also comes from a close-knit family and knows the importance of strong family support.
“What I loved about Judy’s story is that she didn’t let fear or hardship hold her back. She stood by Anthony and believed in him, even when others doubted him. That’s what makes her truly unstoppable,” Lopez said.
A Team Effort
Directed by William Goldenberg, Unstoppable is based on the book written by Anthony Robles and Austin Murphy. The film features a talented cast, including Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle.
Lopez praised the team behind the film for bringing the story to life with heart and authenticity. “Everyone involved in this project poured their soul into it. I’m proud to be part of a film that celebrates courage and family,” Lopez said.
A Message of Hope
When asked what makes her feel unstoppable, Lopez said it’s her ability to keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.
“Life isn’t always easy, but what matters is having the strength to keep going. That’s what Judy did, and that’s what Anthony did. I think their story will remind people that no matter what obstacles they face, they can overcome them,” Lopez said.
Judy added that Lopez’s strength and warmth made her the perfect person to portray her on screen. “Jennifer has this ability to light up any room she walks into. She’s strong, kind, and caring, and I’m grateful she told my story,” Judy said.
