Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Reunite on the Red Carpet for ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ Premiere
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck surprised everyone with a red-carpet reunion that fans didn’t see coming. The former couple came together at the New York City premiere of Lopez’s new musical film Kiss of the Spider Woman on Monday, October 6.
Affleck, 53, who served as an executive producer on the project through his and Matt Damon’s production company Artist Equity, showed up to support Lopez’s big night. It was one of those rare Hollywood moments that blended nostalgia, admiration, and a bit of bittersweet emotion.
Keep reading to know all the details!
A Red-Carpet Surprise
The premiere was held in New York City, and Lopez made sure to turn heads with her stunning look. She wore a sculptural gown from Harris Reed’s Spring 2026 collection that had everyone talking. But what truly caught attention was her calm and gracious demeanor as she greeted Affleck on the carpet.
The two posed for photos, smiled at one another, and shared a few light conversations. Photographers captured the moment, showing both stars comfortable in each other’s presence despite their history. Affleck even stopped to talk to the press about the film and Lopez’s performance.
During the event, Lopez took the stage to introduce the movie and didn’t hold back her appreciation for Affleck. “Thank you so much, thank you everybody for being here tonight. Thank you, Ben, this movie wouldn’t have been made without Ben and without Artist Equity,” she said with heartfelt gratitude.
She continued, “I read the script, if you know, I was in bed and I was just floored. I was just like could this be happening right now. I get to sing, I get to dance, I get to act. I get to be an old-time Hollywood movie star.”
It was a touching acknowledgment that even after their personal relationship ended, their professional respect and creative bond remain strong.
From Romance to Respect
Their reunion comes several months after their 2025 divorce. Lopez and Affleck’s love story is one Hollywood has followed for more than two decades.
The two first met in 2002 and quickly became one of the most talked-about celebrity couples. They got engaged but ended things in 2004 before eventually moving on and building separate lives and families. Then, in 2021, they reignited their romance, much to the delight of fans who had always rooted for “Bennifer.”
They tied the knot in a small Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022 and later held a second, more elaborate celebration in Georgia surrounded by friends and family. Sadly, their relationship ended again in 2024, with the divorce finalized in February 2025 due to irreconcilable differences.
Even so, Lopez continues to give Affleck credit for his role in her latest project. During an interview on the TODAY show, she said, “If it wasn’t for Ben, the movie wouldn’t have gotten made. And I will always give him that credit.”
When asked about their split, she kept her response honest and grounded. “Things happen, you have to keep going,” she said.
Healing Through Art
Lopez also opened up about how working on Kiss of the Spider Woman helped her through the emotional challenges of her divorce.
“It’s funny, the movie is about escapism. It’s about how movies and art save us in the hardest times of our lives. Doing this project was such a dream come true for me that it really got me through to kind of survive a moment that was difficult in my personal life as well,” she explained.
In another interview on CBS News Sunday Morning, Lopez got candid about the emotional rollercoaster she faced while filming. “It was a really tough time. Every moment on set, every moment I was doing this role, I was so happy, and then it was like, back home, it was not great. And it was just like, oh, you know, ‘How do I reconcile this?’”
Her honesty resonated with fans who have seen her navigate fame, love, heartbreak, and reinvention for decades.
About the Film
Kiss of the Spider Woman first made its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and has already gained buzz for its fresh take on a beloved story. The movie reimagines the classic stage musical by Kander, Ebb, and Terrence McNally that originally hit Broadway in 1993 with Chita Rivera in the lead.
It also draws inspiration from the 1985 film starring William Hurt, Raul Julia, and Sônia Braga, which was based on Argentine writer Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel of the same name.
The new version is written and directed by Bill Condon, best known for Chicago, and stars Lopez as Ingrid Luna, a glamorous silver screen diva. She is joined by Diego Luna and Tonatiuh in the cast.
Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artist Equity helped bring the project to life, with Lopez also serving as one of the film’s producers. The movie hits theaters nationwide on October 10.
Moving Forward
While Lopez and Affleck may no longer share a romantic connection, their mutual respect and collaboration show that endings do not always mean closure. Their red-carpet appearance together reminded everyone that love, in its many forms, can evolve into something enduring and meaningful.
For Lopez, Kiss of the Spider Woman is more than just another movie—it represents resilience, creativity, and the ability to find beauty even in heartbreak. And for Affleck, his quiet show of support proves that some bonds in Hollywood are built to last, even when life takes people in different directions.
As the film prepares for its theatrical release, one thing is certain: Jennifer Lopez is stepping into a new chapter, one where her art and strength continue to shine, and Ben Affleck is still standing proudly in the background, cheering her on.
Summary
- Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reunited at the New York City premiere of Kiss of the Spider Woman on October 6.
- Affleck, 53, served as executive producer through his and Matt Damon’s company, Artist Equity.
- Lopez, 56, stunned in a sculptural gown by Harris Reed’s Spring 2026 collection.
- Onstage, Lopez thanked Affleck, saying “This movie wouldn’t have been made without Ben and without Artist Equity.”
- The reunion came months after their 2025 divorce following a rekindled romance and 2022 wedding.
- Lopez said the film helped her heal during a difficult personal time, calling it “a dream come true” that helped her through heartbreak.
- The musical, directed by Bill Condon, co-stars Diego Luna and Tonatiuh.
- Kiss of the Spider Woman is a reimagining of the 1993 Broadway show and 1985 film.
- The movie premieres in theaters on October 10.
