Global superstar Jennifer Lopez has opened up about a significant career ambition that remains unfulfilled, despite her decades of success in music, film, and business. In a candid interview, the 56-year-old entertainer revealed her enduring desire to step behind the camera as a director.
A Dream Deferred: Lopez's Directorial Ambition
Speaking to LA Times' The Envelope, Lopez reflected on the persistent limitations others try to place on her career. "Everybody's always trying to tell you: 'You can only do this' or 'You can only do that,'" she stated. Defiantly, she added, "I still want to direct. I still want to write more books. And I don't ever feel like there's somebody who can say to me, 'No, you can't.'"
This isn't Lopez's first foray into directing. She made her directorial debut in 2018, helming the music video for her song Limitless. The project held deep personal significance as it starred her then 10-year-old daughter, Emme Maribel Muñiz, who also provided backing vocals. Lopez later gushed about the experience on The Tonight Show, saying, "She was so amazing and I was so proud. I forgot that I was directing my first video, it was all about her." She described the video's message as empowering for women, focusing on being limitless and having second acts.
Navigating Fame and Finding Strength
Lopez also spoke frankly about the dual nature of her fame, comparing herself to "a lightning rod for nice things and a lot of negativity." She admitted to frequently feeling misunderstood, a challenge she has faced since the beginning of her career. "It's hard because you say to yourself, 'These people don't get me. They don't see me. They don't understand me,'" the two-time Grammy nominee lamented.
To cope, Lopez relies on a strong sense of self, which she credits to her parents, and a nightly ritual of affirmation. "I'd have to block out the noise so I can put my head on the pillow at night and go, 'I did good today. I was a good person. I was kind to people. I worked really hard. I'm a good mom.' That has always helped me through," she explained.
Looking Forward: Vegas, Tours, and New Projects
Professionally, Lopez is currently immersed in rehearsals for her upcoming 12-date 'Up All Night Live' Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace's The Colosseum, which is set to kick off on December 30. She described the show's ethos in a behind-the-scenes video, stating, "I honestly believe the show is about being happy, having joy, and having fun."
Her daughter Emme, now 17 and identifying as non-binary, has continued to share the stage with her, performing Limitless during Lopez's 37-date It's My Party tour and at the iconic Super Bowl LIV halftime show in 2020.
On the film front, Lopez has faced recent box office challenges with Unstoppable and The Kiss of the Spider Woman. However, she has several projects in the pipeline, including the Netflix rom-com Office Romance with Brett Goldstein and Robert Zemeckis's thriller The Last Mrs. Parrish. She is also set to produce Bob the Builder for Amazon MGM Studios.
It is worth noting that Lopez finalised her divorce from her fourth husband, actor Ben Affleck, on February 21 of this year, after less than three years of marriage. Throughout a career that began as a Fly Girl on In Living Color in 1991 and includes selling over 80 million records, Lopez continues to define her own path and chase her remaining dreams.
