Jennifer Lopez’s latest film flopped spectacularly at the box office, pulling in less than $1 million during its opening weekend—a shocking outcome for a star of her caliber. But here’s where it gets controversial: Kiss of the Spider Woman, despite its high-profile cast and director, couldn’t even crack the top 10 at the weekend box office, landing at a disappointing 13th place with just $840,000 in domestic sales. This raises the question: What went wrong?
Starring Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna (known for his roles in Y tu Mamá También, Rogue One, and Andor), the film had all the ingredients for success on paper. Directed by Bill Condon, the mind behind Chicago and Twilight, Kiss of the Spider Woman was independently financed for a hefty $34 million before being acquired by Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate after its Sundance debut. However, the financial losses are now a looming question, as Variety points out, since the exact acquisition amount remains undisclosed.
Set primarily in an Argentinian prison, the film follows a queer window dresser who escapes his harsh reality by fantasizing about his favorite screen diva, played by Lopez. This is the second adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman, following Héctor Babenco’s 1985 version, which grossed $17 million globally. Even without accounting for inflation, the new film faces an uphill battle to match that success—a stark contrast to its predecessor.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite earning a respectable 77% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, Kiss of the Spider Woman continues a troubling trend in Lopez’s recent filmography. Since her well-received role in 2019’s Hustlers, Lopez hasn’t starred in a film that’s truly resonated with audiences or critics alike.
But here’s the real question: Is this a reflection of the film’s quality, or is it a sign of shifting audience preferences? Could it be that the story, though critically praised, failed to connect with modern viewers? Or is Lopez’s star power not what it once was? Let’s spark a conversation—what do you think? Is this flop a one-off, or does it signal a broader challenge for Lopez’s career? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
