Quick Links
Jennifer Lopez stars in a new sports drama that’s coming soon to Prime Video. An inspiring true story based on the life of Anthony Robles,Unstoppabletells the story of the American wrestler who, despite being born with only one leg, went on to win an NCAA wrestling championship.
Based on Robles’ 2012 bookUnstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion,the film is a close accounting of the wrestler’s journey to becoming an NCAA champion. Robles himself worked along with the production, so the script has the wrestler’s seal of approval. But, despite his involvement,Robles has one great regret at one very important figure that the movie left out.
‘Unstoppable’ Is a Close Adaption of Robles’ Novel
Unstoppable
Read Our Review
Unstoppablesticks close to Robles’ 2012 novel. Having been born with one leg, Anthony Robles (played by Jharrel Jerome) works to become physically resilient by learning to adapt to his missing limb. After discovering apassion for wrestling, Robles earns a spot on his school’s wrestling team. Despite other objections, Robles is spurred on by his encouraging mother, Judy (Jennifer Lopez), who offers her unwavering support.
The film follows Robles’ gaining strength as he builds himself into a formidable wrestler during his years at Arizona State University.Unstoppableshows the real-life struggle of Robles’s fight to the 2011 NCAA wrestling championship. Roble worked closely in the production of the movie.He became friends with Jerome and even served as his stunt double to execute some of the wrestling moves more authentically.Unstoppablealso details the personal struggles of Robles and his single mother, Judy, as their family life becomes tense with the addition of his stepfather.
Although Robles worked closely in the development of the film, he does have one regret: the exclusion of his former high school wrestling teammate, Chris Frieje, from the film. In an interview withLiving with Amplitude, Robles describes Frieje as an important person in his life. “Chris showed me no mercy, and that’s the thing I loved about him,” Robles says. Describing that a lot of people treated him differently because of his missing limb, Frieje taught him to be accountable by treating him just like anyone else. “He taught me to focus on who you are,” Robles concluded, “not on what you might be lacking.”Robles explained Frieje’s absence as a result of the time limitations of the film.
‘Unstoppable’ Received Festival Fame and Critical Praise
Unstoppablepremiered at theToronto International Film Festival (TIFF)on June 17, 2025, and was later released in a limited theatrical run in US theaters on July 09, 2025. The film received an 81% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes. Although critics called the film predictable, stating that itsolidly follows the sports movieformula,the overall consensus hails the film as a feel-good and inspiring watch.VarietycalledUnstoppablea “rare sports crowd-pleaser,” whileShifterpraised it as “a universal and inspirational story that transcends sports.” Jennifer Lopez and Jharrel Jerome’s performances were praised, and their portrayal of a mother and son made the film an inspiring tear-jerker.
The film was created by Artists Equity, the production company founded by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, with Ben Affleck serving as producer. Frequent Lopez collaborator Elaine Goldsmith Thomas also served as producer. Goldsmith Thomas has previously worked with the star in several movies and TV series, includingAtlas,This Is Me…Now,Shotgun Wedding, andShades of Blue.Unstoppableis the directorial debut of William Goldenberg. The script was adapted from Robles’ biography by Eric Champnella, Alex Harris and John Hindman.
10 Sports Movies That Were About More Than the Game
Sports movies are about more than the game. They’re about finding family, teamwork, friendship, and the strive to create a sense of pride.
Along with Lopez and Jerome,Unstoppablealso stars Bobby Cannavale (Marry Me), Don Cheadle (Iron Man 2), Michael Peña (Ant-Man), and Shawn Hatosy (Animal Kingdom).Unstoppableand its cast won several awards across the film festival circuit, including the Student Choice Award at the Philadelphia Film Festival, Maverick Award at the Winter IndieWire Honors (Jennifer Lopez), and the Breakthrough Actor Award at the Celebration of Cinema and Television (Jharrel Jerome).
The true story of an American athlete who defied the odds and personal struggles to become an NCAA champion,Unstoppableis the inspiring true story about Robles’ perseverance over personal obstacles. The film closely follows the events of Robles’ life as detailed in his 2012 book. Particular emphasis is given to his close relationship with his supportive mother Judy, hispersonal family struggles, as well as his dedication to improving himself in the sport. Though the film found itself limited and could not include all the supportive figures in Robles’ life, its focus on his perseverance and his road to the NCAA championship is wholly inspiring.Unstoppablewill be available for streaming on Prime Video starting January 16.
