Lopez and cast receive standing ovation at Unstoppable premiere, inspiring audiences
Jennifer Lopez’s new movie Unstoppable has received high praise and a standing ovation at its premiere during the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film, which tells the inspiring story of wrestler Anthony Robles, was not only cheered by the audience but also received a heartfelt approval from Robles himself, who was closely involved in the making of the movie.
Robles, who was born with one leg, overcame great odds to win the NCAA national wrestling championship in 2011 while competing for Arizona State University. His story is a testament to resilience and determination, and Unstoppable brings that story to life with Lopez portraying his mother, Judy Robles.
Robles also worked on the film as both a producer and a stunt double for actor Jharrel Jerome, who portrays him in the movie.
During the premiere on Friday, September 6, Robles spoke with PEOPLE about the emotional journey of turning his life into a film. “I’d say the most difficult part was just telling the uncomfortable things,” he shared. “But I felt like in order to tell my story correctly, and truly impact the most people, they had to know my pain.
They had to know the scars that I went through and what I dealt with. I think that was tough for me, but it was also therapeutic.”
Robles expressed his satisfaction with how the movie captures his life story. While acknowledging that not every detail could make it into the film, he emphasized that the core message remained intact. “We nailed it and this team nailed it,” he said. “Which is no matter what you’re wrestling, you can overcome it. You can be unstoppable.”
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Judy Robles, Anthony’s mother, also attended the screening. At one point, Lopez introduced her to the audience, and the two shared an emotional embrace on stage, as seen in video footage published by The Hollywood Reporter.
Lopez spoke during a Q&A session after the film, expressing her deep respect for the Robles family. “Anthony and Judy trusted the filmmakers with all the information that they could give us and know that we wouldn’t misuse it in any way, but only use it to tell their story in the best and most beautiful way that it deserved,” Lopez said. “Because it is one of the most beautiful, most inspiring stories I think I’ve ever seen on screen.”
Unstoppable was produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon under their production company, Artists Equity. Affleck and Damon, longtime friends and collaborators, attended the premiere along with Damon’s wife, Luciana. The film also stars Michael Peña, Don Cheadle, and Bobby Cannavale.
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The movie marks the directorial debut of William Goldenberg, who previously worked with Affleck as an editor on several films, including 2023’s Air and the Oscar-winning Argo in 2012. Lopez’s role in Unstoppable is her latest major project since her movie Atlas began streaming on Netflix earlier this year.
The film, which has been described as both uplifting and emotional, highlights not only Anthony’s physical struggles but also the mental and emotional challenges he faced growing up with a disability.
It shows the strong bond he shares with his mother and the determination he carried to succeed in a sport that demands incredible physical strength and agility.
As Anthony said in his interview, sharing the tough moments of his life was important because it adds depth to his story and allows viewers to fully understand what he went through to achieve success.
During the film’s premiere, the audience gave a long standing ovation as the credits rolled, a reaction that further confirmed the film’s emotional impact. For Anthony Robles, seeing his life story on screen was not only a personal triumph but also a message of hope to others who might be struggling with their own challenges.
He hopes the film inspires people to push through their hardships and realize their potential, no matter the obstacles they face.
The movie, scheduled to hit select theaters in December before arriving on Prime Video, is expected to resonate with a wide audience due to its universal message of resilience and perseverance.
Unstoppable tells the story of someone who refused to let limitations define him, and through the performances of Lopez, Jerome, and the rest of the cast, the film captures the heart of Robles’ journey.
As Lopez put it during the Q&A, the film isn’t just about wrestling; it’s about overcoming life’s toughest battles and emerging stronger. “It’s a story that shows us that no matter what, we can all be unstoppable,” she said.
For those eager to see an inspiring, real-life story brought to the big screen, Unstoppable promises to be an emotional and motivating experience. As it makes its way into theaters later this year, audiences will have the chance to witness the incredible journey of Anthony Robles and his determination to defy the odds.
