Jennifer Lopez’s new musical is an adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman, and it’s already sparking conversation about how it compares to the 1985 William Hurt version. The original film excelled in many ways, but one of the clearest improvements in the 2025 film is the casting.
Jennifer Lopez is a Latina superstar who brings authenticity to a story rooted in South American culture. Apart from her, most actors in the feature are of the same ethnicity, which is a huge step forward because they could’ve easily starred familiar American faces.
However, the 1985 classic did just that, and featured William Hurt, an American actor, to portray Molina. So, the novel iteration embraces spectacle and identity in ways the original could not. But does Hurt’s movie still have the edge, and what does the modern iteration say about diversity in Hollywood?
Does William Hurt’s Kiss of the Spider Woman Beat Jennifer Lopez’s Adaptation?
The late William Hurt won an Oscar for his role in Kiss of the Spider Woman, so that’s already a tough benchmark to beat for the new feature. It had earned acclaim for its dramatic tension and character depth, and its strength lay in portraying oppression and friendship.
The 2025 adaptation, on the other hand, seems to lean into the story’s visual and musical glamour fully. Critics have noted that the film does occasionally struggle with tone, and the transitions between the harsh prison reality and extravagant fantasies aren’t exactly smooth.
Here’s a comparison of the two movies:
Title Rotten Tomatoes (critic score | audience score) Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985) 86% | 81% Kiss of the Spider Woman (2025) 76% | 68%
Ultimately, it all depends on what viewers value. For those who are into some emotional tension and political weight, the 1985 film certainly takes the win. But for those who love aesthetics, larger-than-life appeal, glamour, and music, the Jennifer Lopez starrer would be more appealing.
Jennifer Lopez’s Kiss of the Spider Woman Reflects Hollywood’s Evolving Diversity
Jennifer Lopez in Kiss of the Spider Woman | Credits: Lionsgate Films
As said earlier, one area where 2025’s Kiss of the Spider Woman excels is representation. Casting Jennifer Lopez as the titular character shows that Hollywood is finally embracing other cultures and would like more authenticity.
Moreover, even from the trailers, you can tell that Lopez is the perfect fit for the role. She has star power, emotional range, and musical talent. The fantasy sequences featuring her in beautiful dresses truly stand out.
It’s about time that our main characters match their ethnicity, and diversity is not limited to supporting roles. The industry is slowly catching up to the expectations of the global audience and honoring other cultures in the best way possible.
So, do you think Lopez’s adaptation can ever replace the 1985 classic?
Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985) is currently streaming on HBO Max. The 2025 version is currently playing in theaters (USA).
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
