The musical remake of Kiss of the Spider Woman, directed by Bill Condon and starring Jennifer Lopez, is nearing a deal for domestic distribution following its well-received debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January.
Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and independent studio LD Entertainment are all in talks to acquire the domestic rights to the film, though no official agreement has been finalized. Details regarding how the companies will collaborate on the film’s release remain unclear.
The film, which was independently financed at a budget in the high $30 million range, is based on Manuel Puig’s novel. While the specific terms of the potential sale have not been disclosed, the film’s buzz at Sundance has made it one of the most talked-about titles from the festival.
Set in an Argentinian prison in 1981, Kiss of the Spider Woman follows Luis Molina (Tonatiuh), a queer window dresser imprisoned for engaging in sexual activity with another man. To cope with the horrors of his confinement, Molina retreats into fantasy, imagining vivid stories featuring his favorite film star, Ingrid Luna (Lopez), who portrays the “Spider Woman” – a character who kills her victims with a kiss. Molina’s life takes an unexpected turn when he forms a bond with his new cellmate, played by Diego Luna.
This adaptation marks the second film version of Kiss of the Spider Woman, following the 1985 film directed by Héctor Babenco, which earned an Oscar for William Hurt’s portrayal of Molina. Additionally, the stage adaptation by John Kander and Fred Ebb premiered on Broadway in 1993, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Performances by Chita Rivera, Brent Carver, and Anthony Crivello.
At the Sundance premiere, Lopez, wearing a sparkling, webbed gown, was visibly emotional as the film received a standing ovation. “I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life,” she told the audience at Park City’s Eccles Theatre.
Condon, who has become a leading director in the realm of movie musicals, has worked on projects such as Chicago, Dreamgirls, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast remake, and The Greatest Showman. He first attended Sundance in 1998 with the period drama Gods and Monsters, starring Ian McKellen and Brendan Fraser.
Reflecting on his journey, Condon shared, “I came here 27 years ago. Kiss of the Spider Woman is a movie I started thinking about all those years ago. It’s a movie I’ve wanted to make my entire life.”
In its review of the film, chief film critic, Peter Debruge, praised Lopez’s performance but highlighted Tonatiuh as the standout, stating that the newcomer brought both strength and vulnerability to the role, with each scene revealing greater depth to the character.
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