Ben Affleck will not be joining his ex Jennifer Lopez at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival when their new film premieres, DailyMail.com has exclusively learned, with an insider revealing that he knows ‘his appearance would mean the focus is not on his works of art.’
Ben, 52, is one of the multiple credited producers of Kiss of the Spider Woman, which stars Jennifer, 55, as Aurora, aka 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 — and that includes Matt.
Kiss of the Spider Woman makes its world premiere on January 26 at the Eccles Theater in Park City, Utah, as part of the 41st annual Sundance Film Festival.
The preliminary lineup includes the cast and crew 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 be there for Kiss of the Spider Woman. The film is produced by Artists Equity, the production company of Ben and Matt Damon
JLo is on the preliminary red carpet lineup, which was obtained by DailyMail.com
Sônia Braga (pictured) played the triple role of Leni Lamaison, aka Spider Woman in the critically acclaimed 1985 film adaptation of Héctor Babenco, which grossed $17 million at the worldwide box office
The 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 line-up may be made right up until the start of the red carpet.
A source who spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com has shed some light on why Ben – whose home survived California’s massive wildfires – ‘has no plans’ to attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, taking place in Park City from January and Salt Lake City. February 23 to 2.
“Ben worked hard on the film and he is proud of it, but he knows that if he goes to Sundance, his performance will mean the focus is not on his artwork, but rather 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 he wants is for his work to be overshadowed by his past relationship. He wants people to talk about the film, and not about his failed marriage,” the insider said.
The Love Don’t Cost a Thing singer and Ben have rekindled their romance in 2021, 18 years after their first split.
They married in July 2022 in a lavish wedding ceremony in Georgia, but Jennifer 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 next to 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 the exes each walking away with what they individually acquired during their two-year union.
They also reached an agreement on their $61 million Beverly Hills mansion that they bought together, although the terms remain private.
As for Matt Damon attending the upcoming movie premiere, a source revealed to DailyMail.com that he’s “sitting on the fence.”
“The last time Matt went to support a movie where Jennifer was the star, it was all about the drama with Matt and Jennifer talking,” the source said.
“This was all people focused on and the film got no recognition – just them talking and making physical contact.”
DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Ben Affleck and Matt Damon for comment.
Matt and Jennifer both attended the premiere of their film Unstoppable at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
They were spotted holding hands and sharing an intimate moment on a couch during the afterparty.
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 set to attend the film’s premiere at Sundance, a shared source said.
Lopez and Damon made a splash when they were spotted holding hands at the after-party for Unstoppable during the Toronto Film Festival in September 2024
Despite coming to the end of her fourth marriage, a source previously told DailyMail.com that the Let’s Get Loud hitmaker “loved” going to the Toronto Film Festival to promote the film because Unstoppable meant a lot to her and she wanted to support this. .
“It’s a true 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 insider added.
‘She is very professional and always works hard to give her films the best chance.’
Matt and Ben’s production company Artists Equity produced Unstoppable and Kiss of the Spider Woman. It was reported that Artists Equity 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 the Spider Woman last month when she took to X to share a poster for the film
Diego Luna (pictured at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes in January) plays Valentín, a political prisoner, opposite Jennifer Lopez in Kiss of the Spider Woman
Tonatiuh (pictured at Gypsy 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 the Spider Woman, which the film calls an “astonishing scene-stealer in a career highlight”
“The two form an unlikely bond as Molina narrates the plot of a Hollywood musical starring his favorite silver screen diva, Ingrid Luna (played by Lopez).”
Jennifer Lopez is an “astonishing scene-stealer in a career-highlight performance as Luna/Aurora, with breathtaking musical numbers that highlight the exuberant prowess of her dancing and voice,” according to the film’s synopsis.
Meanwhile, “Diego Luna delivers an implacable revolutionary conviction as Valentín, and Tonatiuh gives his Molina a tender-hearted strength and theatrical flair.”
While the film adaptation will premiere on January 26, additional screenings will take place at Sundance during the festival.