J Lo’s twins and former fiancé Ben Affleck join her for a glamorous night in New York
It was a night of glamour, family, and nostalgia for Jennifer Lopez as she stepped out in New York on Monday evening for the premiere of her latest film, Kiss of the Spider Woman. The 56-year-old superstar was joined by her 17-year-old twins, Max and Emme, and received a surprise show of support from her former fiancé Ben Affleck, marking one of their first public reunions since their separation earlier this year.
The red carpet at The Shed, one of Manhattan’s most striking cultural venues, was buzzing as Lopez arrived with her children by her side. The trio posed together before Lopez was joined by Affleck, the pair sharing smiles and a brief embrace as cameras flashed. Though the couple have kept their distance in recent months following reports of marital strain, their friendly appearance sparked speculation of a cordial reunion.
For the occasion, Lopez made an unmistakable fashion statement. She wore a floor-length floral gown with sculptural detailing — a curved, X-shaped structure around her waist that fanned out like spider legs, perfectly in tune with the theme of her new film. Her look, complete with minimalist jewellery and a sleek updo, was both avant-garde and symbolic of her character’s allure.
Affleck, dressed in a classic navy suit, looked relaxed as he greeted Lopez’s children and mingled with guests. The twins, who Lopez shares with ex-husband Marc Anthony, complemented their mother’s polished look — Max opting for a crisp suit while Emme wore a soft pastel ensemble.
The film’s premiere drew a mix of Hollywood heavyweights and theatre icons, with the event marking the return of director Bill Condon, known for Dreamgirls and Beauty and the Beast, to the musical genre. Condon both wrote and directed this adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman, based on Manuel Puig’s acclaimed 1976 novel and the Tony-winning stage musical that followed.
In the movie, Lopez plays Ingrid Luna, a glamorous screen siren imagined by a political prisoner (played by Diego Luna) as he endures confinement under an oppressive regime. The film blends drama, fantasy, and music, shifting between the bleak reality of imprisonment and the dreamlike splendour of Ingrid’s imagined world.
The star-studded cast also features Tonatiuh in a supporting role, with Lopez delivering both dramatic and musical performances — including several original songs crafted specifically for the film. Critics have already praised early footage for its emotional intensity and visual flair, describing Lopez’s portrayal as one of her most mature and layered roles to date.
Speaking on the red carpet, Lopez said she felt “deeply connected” to the project. “This story is about resilience and imagination — about how art keeps people alive even in the darkest places,” she said. “It’s been an honour to bring this character to life.”
Affleck, when asked by reporters about his presence, said simply, “I’m here to support Jen — she’s extraordinary.” The brief but affectionate exchange between the two was enough to set social media abuzz, with fans sharing images of the pair under captions like ‘Bennifer 3.0?’ and ‘Full circle moment.’
The screening ended with a standing ovation for Lopez and the cast, followed by an afterparty attended by co-star Diego Luna and director Bill Condon. Kiss of the Spider Woman will open in theatres on October 10, with early ticket sales already strong following the release of its trailer last month.
For Lopez, the premiere wasn’t just a professional triumph but a personal milestone — a moment that blended family, artistry, and perhaps a hint of old romance under the bright New York lights.