Jennifer Lopez’s Unstoppable: Is It Based on a True Story? 

Imagine a movie that’s not just about sports, but also about beating the odds, fighting through personal struggles, and proving the world wrong. Well, get ready because Unstoppable, starring Jennifer Lopez and Jharrel Jerome, is that movie, and it’s about to get you all kinds of inspired.

This film, directed by Oscar-winning editor William Goldenberg, takes us on a journey with Anthony Robles, a man who was born with only one leg and went on to win a national wrestling championship.

That’s right—a one-legged wrestler who defied all expectations and proved that limits are meant to be broken. The movie doesn’t just focus on the physical aspects of Robles’ life, though.

It also dives deep into his emotional struggles, how he navigated through a world that often looked down on him, and the constant battle to prove that he belonged. Lopez plays Judy Robles, his loving and fiercely supportive mother, who stands by her son no matter what. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this movie so special.

What is Unstoppable About?

At first glance, Unstoppable might seem like just another sports movie—one of those underdog stories where someone overcomes all odds to achieve greatness. But this film has a lot more going for it.

The movie tells the story of Anthony Robles, a wrestler who was born with only one leg, yet still became a national champion at Arizona State University in 2011. It’s a story about fighting for what you believe in, pushing yourself past the limits others set for you, and showing the world that you can achieve greatness no matter your circumstances.

Robles, played by Jharrel Jerome (who’s known for his breakout role in When They See Us), faces challenges that go beyond the wrestling mat. Sure, he’s an amazing athlete, but his journey to success wasn’t easy. The movie explores how Robles struggled to find a college that would recruit him, even though his wrestling record was impressive.

Eventually, he walked on to the team at Arizona State University, but that was just the beginning. The real battle was proving that he belonged, showing his coaches and teammates that his disability didn’t make him any less capable.

It’s a movie about proving people wrong, not letting anyone dictate your potential, and overcoming the odds stacked against you. Robles also has his mom, Judy Robles (played by Jennifer Lopez), by his side, who’s always there to cheer him on, even when things seem impossible.

Is Unstoppable Based on a True Story?

Yes, absolutely! Unstoppable is based on the incredible true story of Anthony Robles, who overcame being born with just one leg to become a wrestling champion. Robles, who was born in 1988, faced challenges that most people couldn’t even imagine.

Yet, he managed to achieve something remarkable by winning the 2011 NCAA wrestling championship in the 125-pound weight class at Arizona State University. The film is about fighting against all the odds stacked against him—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Growing up, Robles had to deal with people who didn’t believe he could ever compete at a high level. Even as a young athlete, he constantly had to prove he could compete with others who had two legs.

But despite all of this, he persevered, refusing to let his disability define him. That’s not all. In 2012, Robles published a memoir called Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated, which tells his journey in more detail, and the film is based on that very book.

So when you’re watching the movie and rooting for Robles as he works his way to the top, just know—it’s all true. The movie is a tribute to his incredible journey and an inspiring reminder of what can happen when you refuse to let anything, not even a disability, stop you from chasing your dreams.

Ben Affleck Praised Jennifer Lopez’s Performance in Unstoppable

Even though Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are going through a divorce, Affleck has nothing but good things to say about his ex-wife’s performance in Unstoppable. In fact, he was so impressed by her portrayal of Judy Robles, Anthony Robles’ supportive mother, that he couldn’t help but praise her.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Affleck called Lopez’s performance “spectacular.” He went on to say that the entire cast of Unstoppable brought a special kind of passion to the film. And it’s not just the Caped Crusader star who thinks JLo nailed it—critics have been praising her for showing a different side of herself in the role. 

Lopez is known for killing it in pretty much every role she takes on, but here, as a mom who will stop at nothing to support her son, she brings a vulnerability that we don’t often get to see from the actress. Even though they’re not a couple anymore, it’s clear that Affleck has nothing but respect for Lopez as an artist.

It’s always interesting to see former spouses still supporting each other’s work. At the end of the day, JLo’s performance is definitely one of the standout parts of the movie, and Affleck isn’t the only one noticing that.

When is Unstoppable Releasing?

If you’re wondering when you can see this incredible film, the wait is almost over. Unstoppable had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2024, and it’s already creating a lot of hype. The movie will be getting a limited theatrical release on December 6, 2024.

So, if you want to see it in theaters before anyone else, mark that date on your calendar. But don’t worry if you’re more of a homebody and prefer watching movies in your pajamas. Unstoppable will be available for streaming on Prime Video starting January 16, 2025.