After generating significant buzz at its Sundance Film Festival premiere in January, Kiss of the Spider Woman, a musical remake starring Jennifer Lopez, is on the verge of securing a distribution deal. Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and LD Entertainment are all in the running for the domestic rights, though the deal has not been finalized.
The adaptation of Manuel Puig’s iconic novel was independently financed in the high $30 million range, with terms of the sale yet to be disclosed. The film centers on queer window dresser Luis Molina (played by Tonatiuh), who is imprisoned in Argentina in 1981 for his sexuality. To escape the harsh realities of prison life, Molina imagines vivid stories of his favorite screen diva, Ingrid Luna (Lopez), including her portrayal of the lethal Spider Woman who kills with a kiss. Molina’s world is shaken when he forms an unexpected connection with his new cellmate (Diego Luna).
The film marks the second adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman following the acclaimed 1985 feature by director Héctor Babenco, which earned William Hurt an Oscar for his portrayal of Molina. Additionally, John Kander and Fred Ebb’s stage musical opened on Broadway in 1993, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
At Sundance, Lopez, donning a sparkling, webbed gown, received a standing ovation for her performance, visibly emotional as she shared her deep connection to the project. “I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life,” Lopez told the audience at the Eccles Theatre.
Director Bill Condon, known for his work on hit movie musicals like Chicago, Dreamgirls, and The Greatest Showman, has long been passionate about bringing Kiss of the Spider Woman to the big screen. Reflecting on the moment, Condon shared, “It’s a movie I’ve wanted to make my entire life.”
In his review, Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge praised Lopez’s performance but noted that newcomer Tonatiuh stood out in his portrayal of Molina, bringing strength and vulnerability to the role.
With its potential deal nearing completion, Kiss of the Spider Woman looks poised to make a major impact in the coming months.