UPDATE: The release is set for October 10, 2025. No doubt, a TIFF premiere is in the works for this one. I just can’t see it going to Telluride or NYFF,
UPDATE: As expected, Lionsgate and Roadside spent $30M to acquire “Kiss of the Spider-Woman” because they believe the film has a shot at awards (via Deadline). Delusional. They’ve now set up an awards season release for the film. The goal is to campaign the film, and Jennifer Lopez’s performance, to Oscar glory. Godspeed.
EARLIER: Last month, I wrote about who would dish out the money to acquire Bill Condon’s “Kiss of the Spider Woman”. The Jennifer Lopez starring movie musical premiered at Sundance to tepid reviews, and that’s with a reported budget of $40M. A distributor still hadn’t been found then.
Turns out, it took two “mid” studios to join forces and acquire ‘Spider-Woman’ as Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have decided to hop on board the musical. The goal is to give Lopez an awards season run for her performance. Good luck to all the parties involved.
No word yet on how much Liongste and Roadside Attractions had to fork out to acquire the film, but the asking price definitely diminished after it was screened at Sundance, and the the film’s financiers haven’t made their money back.
Forget about the mixed reception it’s garnered — the biggest box office hurdle will be the fact that this is a movie musical and one with very limited commercial prospects. It should have never been screened at Sundance. They should have waited for a studio to buy it before premiering it anywhere.
There was ample time to unveil ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman.’ The film only wrapped shooting seven months ago. Patience was needed. A TIFF premiere in September would have suited it better. Regardless, when the film premiered at the famous Eccles Theater on January 26, multiple buyers were in attendance including Netflix, Amazon, Searchlight and Mubi. Then the reviews popped up, and the movie is now a Lionsgate/Roadside endeavor.
Based on Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel of the same title, ‘Kiss’ was first released as a film in 1985. Directed by Hector Babenco, it garnered critical acclaim and received four Oscar nominations, including for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor, the latter category won by the film’s lead, the late great William Hurt.
No such luck or acclaim for Condon’s film. Variety, IndieWire, Screen, NY Post, and THR weren’t all that impressed. The best-case scenario for this one is if it somehow lands Lopez a supporting actress nom come next year.
There's a lot of talent. Julianne Moore, Elle Fanning, Josh Hartnett, Emma Thompson, Sally Hawkins, Danny Huston, Robert Aramayo and Chloe Pirrie will all be part of the sprawling ensemble.