By JUDY SLOANE

Front Row Features

 

HOLLYWOOD-In 2012, pro-wrestler Anthony Robles, who was born with one leg, published his memoir, “Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated.”

His inspiring story begins streaming on Prime Video on January 16, 2025. It stars Jharrel Jerome (“Moonlight,” “When They See Us,”) as Anthony Robles and Jennifer Lopez (“The Mother,” “Ice Age: Collision Course,” voicing) as Anthony’s mother, Judy Robles.

Directed by William Goldenberg, the uplifting movie chronicles Anthony Robles’ fight through adversity, with the help of his devoted mother and coaches, as he pursues his goal to win the NCAA Championship.

Jharrel Jerome, Jennifer Lopez and Anthony Robles, who is one of the producers of the movie and also doubles for Jharrel Jerome in the wrestling sequences, spoke with TV critics across the country about their moving, triumphant story of the incomparable resolve and strength of the spirit.

Q: Jharrel, can you talk about capturing that family bond that Anthony and Judy have?

Jharrel Jerome: We know him as a wrestler and we know him as a champion, but he is such a kind soul and it’s almost the opposite of who he is on the mat, when he’s trying to dominate and defeat (his opponent.)

At home he holds everything inside to make sure that everything is at peace and stable. I think that’s a testament to him as a person and as a man and what he’s been through in his life and the adversity he has faced. As opposed to facing it outward, he’s always faced it inward. When Jen and I spoke early on, we knew we had to show the bond and the chemistry they truly had because there’s no Anthony Robles without Judy Robles.

Q:  Jennifer, what went into making the portrayal of Judy Robles so authentic?

Jennifer Lopez: A lot went into it in the sense of really trying to absorb everything that Judy shared with me. It really is to her credit how open and vulnerable she was. It’s not an easy thing to put your life out there in the public eye; I know that. And so that was something that was key to me being able to tell her story in the best way, because if she was just trying to tell me everything was great all the time we would have never gotten to the core of how incredibly triumphant this story is.

Q: Anthony, what was it like working with Jharrel?

Anthony Robles: It was a new experience for me, just going through this whole process with Jharrel. I was so trusting in him and being able to open up about certain feelings and painful memories that I wouldn’t have otherwise talked about, it just came naturally.

Q: You also doubled for him in the wrestling scenes – what was that experience like?

Anthony Robles: On the mat as a double working with Jharrel, the wrestling side of things that’s what I know. I know the technical side of wrestling, but for Jharrel [he had to] learn these things, not only how to wrestle which is difficult, but the unique style of wrestling with one leg. He was really committed to learn those little things about me, and how I moved on the mat, which is exciting to see and a blessing, because the world can see what I truly can do on the mat thanks to Jharrel.

Q: Jharrel, how did you learn how to move correctly?

Jharrel Jerome: I honestly can’t [say] when it happened or how it happened, but it was just one of those ‘practice makes perfect’ situations. We banged it out seven months, five days a week, two hours on the mat.

For me it was never about becoming a pro-wrestler or being the best wrestler. I can’t be Anthony Robles, nobody could be him. It was about embodying him. For me it was the confidence of a wrestler that I learned in this process. The confidence of knowing what you can do, knowing what your limit is, which is no limit at all. That’s a wrestler’s mentality.

Q: Jennifer, how did you approach playing a person who balances these intense situations with vulnerability and love that comes with being a parent?

Jennifer Lopez: Because I’m a mom, that’s where (Judy and I) first bonded. I understand some of the dynamics of difficult and challenging relationships. I had so many nuggets that I could use that she shared with me to portray that duality of a mom, where you’re always great for your kids and trying to always be happy,  always be encouraging, always be uplifting and always act like you’re okay. And then the other side, which is your own struggles, what you’re going through, those things that parents and mothers have to deal with in the raising of children. I thought it was a beautiful opportunity to show that.

Q: How has doing this movie inspired you?

Jharrel Jerome: For me, film has always been an escape, I think it is for all of us. It’s a chance to just let go of what we’re going through and follow someone else’s story.

I don’t think there is any better story to follow in times like now. I think we can all agree there is a dark burden over all of us, whether it’s financial, culturally, politically, whatever you’re going through, there’s this sense of dread and darkness. This is a story that is meant to uplift you out of that and to remind you that you’re not alone in the struggle you are going through. And people face other struggles that you’ve never faced. I’ve found myself complaining less about the things that I used to, and that comes from an understanding of appreciating what you have.

Jennifer Lopez: It definitely inspired me. I didn’t get to spend as much time with Anthony as Jharrel did, I spent more time with Judy. But listening to him speak I just feel very proud to be able to bring his story. I think the world is a better place with more people knowing Anthony Robles and his story who, because of his mom, learned to concentrate on what he has instead of what he doesn’t have. I think that is a message that the whole world needs.