Anthony Robles worked with a group of Hollywood’s starriest filmmakers to turn his life story into the new movie Unstoppable.
Born with one leg and a 2011 NCAA championship winner, Robles, 36, is played by Jharrel Jerome in the biopic based on his 2013 memoir, while Jennifer Lopez plays his mother Judy. Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña and Don Cheadle also star. As Robles tells PEOPLE, “It’s a star-studded cast.”
The same can be said for the behind-the-camera crew. Along with William Goldenberg, whom Robles calls “an amazing director,” Unstoppable came to life thanks to producers Ben Affleck and Matt Damon through their production company Artists Equity.
“Ben and Matt, they made it a point to include my family through everything,” says the former wrestler, who launched his wrestling career from humble beginnings in his hometown of Mesa, Arizona. Depicted in the movie are the highs and lows of Robles’ years at Arizona State University as he and his four half-siblings endured a difficult relationship with their mother’s husband.
“I stand by what we showed in that film,” says Robles, who prioritized “accuracy” as producer, consultant and Jerome’s stunt double in wrestling scenes.
Ana Carballosa/Prime Video
Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles in ‘Unstoppable’
It was the filmmakers determined to tell his story authentically who helped him achieve that goal. “It was cool just to see how fired up [Affleck] was about the whole process,” he recalls.
Robles’ family members, he says, “were just grateful for how much care and attention that everyone showed, beginning with Billy, all the way to Jharell and Jennifer. They cared about our input, our insight, and just our concerns.”
He adds, “It’s one thing for them to be excited about telling our story, but they really just cared about us as people.”
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Earl Gibson III/Penske Media via Getty
(Left-right:) Jennifer Lopez, Anthony Robles and Judy Robles in 2024
During filming, the cast and crew spent time with the Robles family in Arizona. “To see Jennifer and my mom just spending hours talking, and Jennifer really opening up to her and sharing things about her life — they bonded,” he says. “Same thing with Jharrel and I. It was really more of an organic friendship that we were just able to build together, separately, to trust and to open up about those things.”
With Unstoppable on the page, big screen and now streaming, Robles hopes his tale of overcoming the odds inspires others. “The story itself is something I’m proud of and that’s special to me,” he says.
“I want everyone to relate to the fact that we all wrestle with a challenge. It can be a physical challenge, it could be mental, it can be relationships. There’s always going to be an opponent in your life that you face. It doesn’t matter what background you have, everyone understands that.”
Unstoppable is now streaming on Prime Video.
Read the original article on People
In a recent interview, Anthony Robles, the star of the upcoming film “Unstoppable,” praised Jennifer Lopez and producers Ben Affleck and Matt Damon for their genuine care and support for the cast and crew.
Robles, who plays a key role in the inspirational sports drama, shared that working with Lopez, Affleck, and Damon was a truly rewarding experience. He emphasized that they went above and beyond to ensure the well-being of everyone involved in the production.
“They truly cared about us as people, not just as actors on set,” Robles said. “Their kindness, generosity, and compassion made the filming process so much more enjoyable and meaningful.”
“Unstoppable” tells the story of Robles, a wrestler who overcame incredible odds to become a champion despite being born with only one leg. The film highlights his resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in himself.
Robles expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to bring this inspiring story to life and credited Lopez, Affleck, and Damon for their unwavering support throughout the filming process.
“I am beyond grateful to have had the chance to work with such talented and caring individuals,” Robles said. “Their passion for storytelling and commitment to authenticity truly shines through in ‘Unstoppable.’”
Fans can catch Robles in action when “Unstoppable” hits theaters later this year. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated film.
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