Ben Affleck is not expected to join his former wife Jennifer Lopez at the Sundance Film Festival when their latest film premieres, DailyMail.com has exclusively learned. An insider said the actor understands that his presence could shift attention away from the movie itself.
Affleck, 52, is among the credited producers of Kiss of the Spider Woman, which stars 55-year-old Lopez as Aurora, also known as Ingrid Luna.
Lopez is also an executive producer on the project, while Matt Damon, 54, holds the same credit on the adaptation of the 1992 musical drama.
However, Affleck’s name does not appear on a preliminary red carpet attendance list obtained by DailyMail.com. Damon’s name is also absent.
Kiss of the Spider Woman is scheduled to make its world premiere on January 26 at the Eccles Theatre in Park City, Utah, during the 41st annual Sundance Film Festival.
The early guest list includes members of the cast and crew expected to attend in person, including director Bill Condon and producers Barry Josephson, Tom Kirdahy and Greg Yolen.
Ben Affleck reportedly has ‘no plans’ to attend Sundance with ex-wife Jennifer Lopez, who is expected to promote Kiss of the Spider Woman. The movie was produced by Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity
Jennifer Lopez appears on the preliminary red carpet list obtained by DailyMail.com
Sônia Braga, pictured, portrayed Leni Lamaison, also known as the Spider Woman, in Héctor Babenco’s acclaimed 1985 film adaptation, which earned $17 million worldwide
The stars currently listed to attend include Lopez and her co-stars Diego Luna and Tonatiuh.
DailyMail.com understands that the lineup could still be updated, with additions or changes possible before the red carpet begins.
A source familiar with the situation explained why Affleck, whose home survived the devastating California wildfires, ‘has no plans’ to attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The event runs in Park City and Salt Lake City from January 23 through February 2.
‘Ben worked hard on the film and is proud of what he accomplished, but he knows that appearing at Sundance would make the story about his interactions with his ex rather than his work,’ the source told DailyMail.com.
According to the insider, Affleck has ‘completely moved on with his life.’
‘The last thing he wants is for the movie to be eclipsed by his past relationship. He wants people discussing the film, not his failed marriage,’ the source added.
Lopez and Affleck rekindled their romance in 2021, nearly two decades after their first relationship ended.
The couple married in July 2022 in an elaborate Georgia ceremony. Lopez filed for divorce in August 2024, listing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.
A source told DailyMail.com that Affleck does not want his professional work ‘to be overshadowed’ by appearing on the red carpet with Lopez
Affleck and Lopez finalized their divorce this month after she filed in August 2024
A source said Affleck has ‘completely moved on with his life’
The divorce was finalized earlier this month. The former couple will retain the assets each acquired individually during their two-year marriage.
They also reached a private agreement concerning the $61 million Beverly Hills mansion they purchased together, although the details have not been made public.
Damon’s plans for the film’s premiere remain uncertain. A source told DailyMail.com that he is currently ‘on the fence’ about attending.
‘The last time Matt attended an event supporting a movie starring Jennifer, the conversation became centered on their personal dynamic,’ the source said.
‘That was all anyone focused on. The film received no attention, while the headlines were about them talking and making physical contact.’
DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Affleck and Damon for comment.
Damon and Lopez previously appeared together at the September premiere of their film Unstoppable during the Toronto International Film Festival.
At the subsequent afterparty, they were photographed holding hands and sharing an intimate moment on a couch.
The former couple previously attended Sundance together in January 2003 in Park City
Matt Damon, another producer on Kiss of the Spider Woman, is reportedly undecided about attending the Sundance premiere
Lopez and Damon drew attention after holding hands at the Unstoppable afterparty during the September 2024 Toronto Film Festival
Although she was in the midst of ending her fourth marriage, a source previously told DailyMail.com that Lopez was happy to attend Toronto to promote Unstoppable. The film was meaningful to her, and she wanted to support its release.
‘It is based on a true story and is deeply inspiring, so she is proud to be involved. Making the movie was a career highlight for her,’ the insider said.
‘She is highly professional and consistently works hard to give her films the strongest possible opportunity.’
Artists Equity, the production company founded by Affleck and Damon, produced both Unstoppable and Kiss of the Spider Woman. The company reportedly helped secure independent financing for Lopez’s latest movie.
The film’s synopsis introduces Valentín, a political prisoner played by Diego Luna, who shares a cell with Molina, a window dresser imprisoned for public indecency and portrayed by Tonatiuh.
Lopez showed her support for Kiss of the Spider Woman last month by sharing the film’s poster on X
Diego Luna, pictured at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards in January, plays political prisoner Valentín opposite Jennifer Lopez in Kiss of the Spider Woman
Tonatiuh, pictured at Broadway’s Gypsy opening night in December 2024, portrays Molina in Kiss of the Spider Woman
Lopez plays Luna/Aurora in Kiss of the Spider Woman, where she is described as an ‘astonishing scene-stealer’ in a career-defining performance
The two prisoners develop an unexpected friendship as Molina recounts the story of a Hollywood musical led by his beloved screen idol, Ingrid Luna, played by Lopez.
The film’s description calls Lopez an ‘astonishing scene-stealer in a career-highlight performance as Luna/Aurora,’ featuring showstopping musical sequences that showcase her dancing and vocal talent.
Luna is praised for bringing intense revolutionary determination to Valentín, while Tonatiuh’s Molina is described as tender, commanding and theatrical.
Following the January 26 premiere, Kiss of the Spider Woman will receive additional screenings throughout the Sundance Film Festival.
