Ben Affleck will not attend the upcoming Sundance Film Festival with his ex Jennifer Lopez when their new film is released, DailyMail.com has learned exclusively, and a source revealed that he knows “his appearance would mean the attention is not on him.” work of art”.
Ben, 52, is one of multiple credited producers on Kiss of the Spider Woman, which stars Jennifer, 55, as Aurora, also known as Ingrid Luna.
Jennifer is also listed as an executive producer, as is Matt Damon, 54, for the adaptation of the 1992 musical drama.
In a preliminary red carpet lineup obtained by DailyMail.com, the Gone Girl actor’s name is noticeably missing, as is Matt’s.
Kiss of the Spider Woman will have its world premiere on January 26 at the Eccles Theater in Park City, Utah, as part of the 41st Sundance Film Festival.
The preliminary lineup lists cast and crew members expected to appear in person, including director Bill Condon and producers Barry Josephson, Tom Kirdahy and Greg Yolen.
Ben Affleck “has no plans” to attend the upcoming Sundance Film Festival with his ex Jennifer Lopez, who will attend Kiss of the Spider Woman. The film is produced by Ben and Matt Damon’s production company, Artists Equity.
JLo is on the red carpet preview poster, obtained by DailyMail.com
Sônia Braga (pictured) took on the triple role of Leni Lamaison, aka Spider Woman, in Héctor Babenco’s critically acclaimed 1985 film adaptation, which grossed $17 million at the worldwide box office.
Cast members expected to attend include Jennifer Lopez and her co-stars Diego Luna and Tonatiuh.
DailyMail.com has learned that new additions or changes to the lineup may be made until the start of the red carpet.
A source speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com has shed some light on why Ben, whose home survived the massive California wildfires, has “no plans” to attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, which will be held in Park City and Salt Lake City starting in January. From February 23 to 2.
“Ben worked hard on the film and it’s something he’s proud of, but he knows that if he goes to Sundance, his appearance will mean the focus won’t be on his artwork but on his interactions with his ex,” the source revealed. .
The source went on to say that Ben “has completely moved on with his life.”
‘The last thing you want is for your work to be overshadowed by your past relationship. “He wants people to talk about the movie, not his failed marriage,” the source added.
The Love Don’t Cost a Thing singer and Ben rekindled their romance in 2021, 18 years after their initial split.
They married in July 2022 during a lavish wedding ceremony in Georgia, but Jennifer then filed for divorce in August 2024, citing irreconcilable differences.
A source told DailyMail.com that Ben doesn’t want his work to be “overshadowed” by appearing on the carpet alongside his ex.
Ben and JLo finalized their divorce this month after the singer filed in August 2024.
A source revealed to DailyMail.com that Ben has “completely moved on with his life.”
The divorce was finalized earlier this month, with each of the exes taking what they individually acquired during their two-year union.
They also reached a settlement on their $61 million Beverly Hills mansion they bought together, although the terms remain private.
As for Matt Damon attending the film’s upcoming premiere, a source revealed to DailyMail.com that he is “undecided.”
“The last time Matt went to support a movie that Jennifer was the star in, it was all about the drama with Matt and Jennifer talking,” the source shared.
“This was all what people were focused on and the movie didn’t get any recognition, just that they talked and made physical contact.”
DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Ben Affleck and Matt Damon for comment.
Matt and Jennifer attended the premiere of their film Unstoppable at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
They were seen holding hands and sharing an intimate moment on a couch during the after-party.
The former couple previously attended the Sundance Film Festival in January 2003 in Park City.
Matt Damon, who is also a producer on Kiss of the Spider Woman, is “undecided” about attending the film’s Sundance premiere, a source shared.
Lopez and Damon caused a spectacle when they were seen holding hands at the Unstoppable after-party during the Toronto Film Festival in September 2024.
Despite going through the end of her fourth marriage, a source previously told DailyMail.com that the Let’s Get Loud hitmaker was “happy” to go to the Toronto Film Festival to promote the film because Unstoppable meant a lot to her. her and wanted to support her. .
‘It’s a real life story that is very inspiring and she is proud to be a part of it. Acting in the film was a highlight for her,” the source added.
“He is very professional and always works hard to give his films the best opportunities.”
Matt and Ben’s production company, Artists Equity, produced Unstoppable and Kiss of the Spider Woman. Artists Equity has reportedly secured independent financing for Jennifer’s new film.
According to the synopsis, ‘Valentín, a political prisoner (played by Diego Luna) shares a cell with Molina, a window dresser convicted of public indecency (played by Tonatiuh).
JLo shared her support for Kiss of Spider Woman last month when she took to X to share a poster for the film.
Diego Luna (pictured at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards in January) plays Valentin, a political prisoner, opposite Jennifer Lopez in Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Tonatiuh (pictured at Gypsy’s opening night on Broadway in December 2024) plays Molina, a window dresser convicted of public indecency, in Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Lopez plays Luna/Aurora in Kiss of Spider Woman, which the film calls “a stunning scene-stealer in a career-highlighting performance.”
“The two form an unlikely bond as Molina recounts the plot of a Hollywood musical starring her favorite big screen diva, Ingrid Luna (played by López).”
Jennifer Lopez is a “stunning scene-stealer in a career-high performance as Luna/Aurora, with spectacular musical numbers that underscore the lush prowess of her dancing and voice,” according to the film’s summary.
Meanwhile, “Diego Luna offers relentless revolutionary conviction as Valentín, and Tonatiuh gives his Molina tender power and theatrical flair.”
While the film adaptation premieres on January 26, additional screenings will be held at Sundance throughout the festival.