Roadside Attractions has unveiled the official trailer for Kiss of the Spider Woman, the much-anticipated film adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical directed by Bill Condon. Featuring Jennifer Lopez, Diego Luna, and Tenoch Huerta Tonatiuh in leading roles, the movie had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival before being swiftly acquired by Roadside, Lionsgate, and LD Entertainment. The film is slated for a theatrical release on October 10, positioning it strategically within the awards-season corridor.
The story originates from Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel, which previously inspired the 1985 movie starring Raul Julia and William Hurt. Set against the backdrop of 1983 military-controlled Argentina, the narrative follows two unlikely prison cellmates. Tonatiuh plays Molina, a gay window dresser imprisoned for indecency, who lifts the spirits of his fellow inmate Valentin, portrayed by Diego Luna, a political prisoner. Molina captivates Valentin by recounting vivid stories about his favorite musical actress, Ingrid Luna. The newly released trailer vividly contrasts the grim reality of the prison with Molina’s lush Old Hollywood fantasy world, while hinting at the complex, tender bond that grows between the two men.
Jennifer Lopez, who takes on the role of Ingrid Luna in this movie, brings to life the musical numbers penned by John Kander and Fred Ebb, with the book by Terrence McNally. Lopez shared with Deadline that the film features ten musical sequences, describing the production as “brutal” and indie, noting the tighter schedule compared to traditional movie musicals. Director Bill Condon, known for his work on Dreamgirls and Beauty and the Beast, as well as scripting Chicago, approaches Kiss of the Spider Woman with a classic MGM musical style, filming long, uninterrupted takes that pay homage to Hollywood’s golden era.
The film, produced by Artists Equity, was the standout title at Sundance this year, and the acquisition of North American rights by Roadside, Lionsgate, and LD Entertainment signals high expectations for its awards-season run. Roadside Attractions has previously demonstrated success with similar strategic releases, such as Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl, which generated significant awards buzz last year for Pamela Anderson’s lead performance.
