Jennifer Lopez Secures Role Without Audition in Brett Goldstein's Office Romance
Jennifer Lopez did not need to audition for her leading role opposite Brett Goldstein in the upcoming romantic comedy Office Romance. The film was co-written by Goldstein and Ted Lasso creator Joe Kelly, with the part specifically crafted for the Bronx-born pop icon.
Script Written Specifically for JLo
The 56-year-old singer and actress revealed during a SiriusXM BPM interview on Saturday that the filmmakers approached her directly. "They sent me the script and they were like, 'We wrote this for you,'" Lopez explained. "'If you don't do it, we're not even making the movie.'"
Chemistry between the leads was clearly a priority for Goldstein, who plays lawyer Daniel Blanchflower opposite Lopez's Air Cruz CEO Jackie Cruz. Their characters navigate a workplace romance despite her company's strict anti-fraternization policy.
Electric Chemistry and Edgy Humor
Despite their 11-year age difference, Lopez and Goldstein are expected to showcase what the singer describes as "electric" chemistry when the film premieres on Netflix on June 5. Directed by Ol Parker, the rom-com promises a departure from Lopez's typical projects.
"It has, like, hard jokes," noted Lopez, who recently released the single Save Me Tonight. "It's, like, a little bit edgier than a normal JLo rom-com in a way."
If the characters ultimately marry, this would mark Lopez's tenth time portraying a bride on screen, adding to her extensive filmography of romantic roles.
Supporting Cast and Off-Screen Rumors
The film features an impressive supporting ensemble including Betty Gilpin, Edward James Olmos, Bradley Whitford, Amy Sedaris, Tony Hale, and Jackie Sandler.
Recent reports from The Sun suggest the co-stars have grown close since filming concluded, with sources describing them as "very touchy, feely, and always laughing" and speculating about a potential off-screen connection.
Mutual Admiration Between Co-Stars
Lopez publicly praised Goldstein's kissing abilities during an October appearance on Watch What Happens Live, declaring him her favorite on-screen kisser. Meanwhile, Goldstein had previously expressed admiration for Lopez's performance in Hustlers during a 2019 episode of his podcast Films To Be Buried With.
"It's really good on every level," Goldstein enthused about her role. "F***ing hell! 50! She's 50! I love her!"
Career Context for Both Stars
The 45-year-old Goldstein, co-creator of Shrinking, has maintained privacy regarding his romantic life, while Lopez has experienced four marriages and divorces and is mother to two adult children.
Lopez seeks a commercial success following recent box office disappointments. Her 2024 film Unstoppable earned only $3,966 before streaming on Prime Video, while 2023's The Kiss of the Spider Woman collected just $2 million against a $30 million budget.
Upcoming Projects for Both Actors
Goldstein recently attended the New York City premiere of his animated film The Sheep Detectives, where he voices twin Norfolk Horn sheep alongside an all-star cast including Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson. The comedy opens in US and UK theaters on May 8.
The British comedian will also bring his Sex, Death and Small Talk tour to Tarrytown Music Hall on May 3 and reprise his role as Roy Kent in the fourth season of Ted Lasso, premiering this summer on Apple TV+.
Lopez has multiple projects in development, including Robert Zemeckis' thriller The Last Mrs. Parrish for Netflix and a producing role for Amazon MGM Studios' Bob the Builder adaptation.
Her career began as a Fly Girl on Fox's In Living Color in 1991 before dancing backup for Janet Jackson in 1993. Her breakthrough came with the 1997 Selena biopic directed by Gregory Nava.
