Anthony Robles had a storied career as a collegiate wrestling champion for Arizona State University. His success, like many others, is credited to his very supportive mother and a challenging upbringing to overcome the adversity of being born with one leg.

In the sports story world, this is how legends are made.

Prime Video brings Anthony Robles to the screen with Unstoppable, starring Jharrel Jerome as the title character and Jennifer Lopez as his mother, Judy Rubles.

The rest of the cast includes Michael Pena, Don Cheadle, and Bobby Cannavale. William Goldenberg directed the film from the screenplay adaptation written by Eric Champnella, Alex Harris, and John Hindman based on the biography written by Anthony Robles.

Here is the official synopsis:

Unstoppable is the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), who was born with one leg but whose indomitable spirit and unbreakable resolve empowered him to defy the odds and pursue his dreams. With the unwavering love and support of his devoted mother, Judy (Jennifer Lopez), and the encouragement of his coaches, Anthony fights through adversity to earn a spot on the Arizona State Wrestling team. But it will demand everything he has, physically and mentally, to achieve his ultimate quest to become an NCAA Champion.

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LRM Online’s Gig Patta was in attendance at the virtual press conference of Unstoppable that included the film’s stars, Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez, and the real-life counterparts of Anthony Robles and Judy Robles with director William Goldenberg.

The event was moderated by senior entertainment reporter Angelique Jackson of Variety.

Unstoppable streams on Prime Video starting Thursday, January 16.

Read the transcript of the entire press conference below. The transcript is edited for clarity.

Angelique Jackson: Anthony, I will start with you because first we had the book. We had your memoir, where you told your incredible story, and now we have the film. How long was the process of finally telling your story this way? What has it been like to see these incredible actors portray your life story?

Anthony Robles: It’s been an incredible journey. It’s been a long process. I met Jharrell [Jerome] in 2019, but seeing this finished product was well worth waiting for this fantastic cast with Jharrell, Jennifer Lopez, Don Cheadle, Michael Pena, and Bobby Cannavale. They captured everyone in my life, those special people, so perfectly. The little things that make them. All those little details were elegant to see. To see the finished product now, I can honestly say that’s my life up there. That’s my family’s life. I could not be more proud of how it was told. I want to thank everyone involved with this because it’s beautifully done.

Angelique Jackson: Judy, I asked you the same question. What has it been like seeing Jharrell and Jennifer capture that special relationship that you and Anthony have?

Judy Robles: It’s been pretty unbelievable how well they captured the relationship that Anthony and I share. Anthony and I have had this unbreakable bond since he’s been born. We’ve developed it over time. But for them to put so much time and effort into ensuring we were represented authentically, I think it meant a lot to us. Jennifer had many questions for me, just about the gestures, looks, and everything. It was important because she portrayed me precisely as I am. It is not just the mom who loves Anthony and gets along with him, but also the strength and sometimes the protectiveness shown often. I appreciate the effort that both of them put into it. Everything about it just made me overwhelmed. I felt everything that Jennifer was showing me on screen. Every moment, I remembered it. I’ve seen this film about seven or eight times but still cry. It brings me joy because nobody could have done it better than Jennifer. Honestly, I’m grateful she wanted to portray me in it. The way she did, it was so authentic and so honest.

Angelique Jackson: Jennifer, what is that like to hear? What went into making that portrayal so authentic?

Jennifer Lopez: Well, it makes me want to cry too. [Laughs] A lot went into it. In this sense, I am trying to absorb everything Judy shared with me. To her credit, it’s how open and vulnerable she was. Putting your life out there in the public eye is not easy. I know that. That was key to me being able to tell her story in the best way. If she was trying to say to me, “Oh, everything was great all the time, and it was like this.” We would’ve never really got to the core of how incredibly triumphant this story is. It is the struggles that they had as a mother, as a son, as a wife, all the things, and just as a woman. It’s to bring all of that together to create a whole, the complete person you see here who is equal parts–amazing. At the same time, she is as complicated and complex as any woman and mother.

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Angelique Jackson: Jharrell, what did that look like for you, especially at first, in terms of capturing that family bond Anthony and Judy had?

Jharrel Jarome: I realized early on that wrestling is the last thing that makes up Anthony. We know him as a wrestler. We know him as a champion. As you get to know him, you forget he’s a beast on the mat because he is a protector. He’s such a kind soul. It’s almost the opposite of who he is on the mat, where he’s trying to dominate and defeat. At home, he holds everything inside to ensure that everything is at peace and stable. That is a testament to him as a person and man and what he’s been through in his life. It’s all the adversity he’s faced instead of facing it outwards. He’s always faced it inward.

Judy has been the strength of that. She has protected him in all the ways of that. When Jen and I even spoke early on, we knew this wasn’t this fluffy, “Hey, we’re going to just be mom and son and just get this done.” We knew we had to show the bond and the chemistry they genuinely have because there’s no Anthony Robles without Judy Robles.

Angelique Jackson: William, I want to ask you about that idea of what Jharrell just said. The notion is that wrestling is a driving force is the movie’s action, but it’s the emotional core. That’s the core that you captured with four people who are on screen with us.

William Goldenberg: Well, this film was always, to me, not a wrestling film. It was a story about a mother and a son supporting each other. It’s how they have an undying love and how they raise each other. It made the story unique. You may want to call it a sports film, but I haven’t seen one like that. It’s what attracted me to the story. Many people can relate to that.

Your relationship with a parent is universal. After reading the book and meeting Judy and Anthony, it was clear to me this is the story of this movie. It could not have been any wrestling. It could have been anything–cooking, baking, or whatever. That was the heart of it to me from the word go. By hearing them talking and listening from Jharrell and Jennifer talk about Judy and Anthony–this has all become one big family at this point. We all want to get it right for each other.

Angelique Jackson: It feels like it has become one big family. Anthony, I would love to know, from your perspective, what it was like being both a part of the family as yourself but also working with Jharrell as his double in this film, by having to navigate both of those spaces kind of simultaneously.

Anthony Robles: It was a new experience for me. I went through this whole working process with Jarrell, and his attention to the little details made me happy. It made it easy for me to start to open up to him. This bond we began to build was our brotherhood, where I trusted in him and could open up about certain feelings and painful memories that I wouldn’t otherwise talk about. It just came naturally.

On the mat, as a double working with Jharrell, the wrestling side of things, that’s what I know. I know the technical side of wrestling. For Jharrell to learn these things, not just how to wrestle, is problematic. But also with the unique style of wrestling with one leg. He committed to understanding those little things about me and how I moved on the wrestling mat, which was exciting. It’s a blessing because the world can see what I could do on the mat, thanks to Jharrell.

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Angelique Jharrell, what did you learn? How did you do it? Can you talk specifically about how you figured out how to move?

Jharrel Jarome: I can’t talk specifically about when or how it happened. It was one of those practice makes-perfect situations. We banged it out seven months, five days a week, and two hours on the mat. It was never about becoming a pro wrestler or being the best wrestler. I can’t be Anthony Roble. Nobody could be Anthony Robles. It was about embodying him. For me, I learned the confidence of a wrestler in this process. The confidence of knowing what you can do and your limit is unlimited. That’s a restless mentality. So, I’ve adapted to that in my real life as a growing man, person, and actor.

Actors say it all the time. I learned that this time around. I honestly changed in many ways. Everybody here has known me for five years, and they keep looking at me like, “Hey, man, you grown.” I’ve been grown, but I guess I’m more grown. You know? That’s the power Anthony has. You can’t be in the room with him for more than 10 minutes and do not want to lift some weight or pick up a new one.

Angelique Jackson: No, I was going to ask what the most significant lessons you learned from playing Anthony. That arc also stands out in the story because of the confidence that Anthony builds. It’s no surprise that was simultaneous for you. How did you approach that character arc, Jharrell? What were some of the key moments that stood out for you as turning points for Anthony?

Jharrel Jarome: That monologue with Coach Williams on the bleacher, for me, was that turning point for Anthony, where he finally gets to explain himself. Anthony’s so reserved; I think that’s how I wanted to play with this reserved energy. In sports films, usually, the lead is this outwardly aggressive guy who’s trying to be the best pound for pound. Anthony was becoming the best within himself and, thus, turning it outwards. The bleacher was that turning point for Anthony, where you truly understand what he’s going through. You will see it all.

Angelique Jackson: Jennifer, you spoke to this earlier as well, the idea that we really get to explore everything Judy went through as a wife, a mother, and a woman. How did you approach playing a character who balances these intense situations with the vulnerability and love that comes with being a parent?

Jennifer Lopez: The whole thing is about being vulnerable. Since I’m a mom, that’s where we first bonded when we first talked because. I understand some of the dynamics of complex and challenging relationships. I could take what I knew and what she was telling me. Then, I will take specific details about what she told me and bring them to the performance. It was great since I had so many little nuggets I could use, which she shared with me to portray that duality of a mom. You’re always great for your kids, trying to be happy, encouraging, uplifting, and always acting like you’re okay.

Then, the other side is your struggles as a wife or a woman. Or financially, what you’re going through that parents and mothers have to deal with in raising children. It was a fantastic opportunity to show her relationship with Anthony because she had him when she was young, and they grew up together. He got to see some of that, right? She shared more of that with him than with the other children. Since they were so much younger, so they had that special bond.

It was taking everything and putting it in the box. Even things she shared with me that were not in the film, but internalizing them and understanding them are part of what drove her at different times, different things, and different scenes. I was fortunate to have Judy there with me. She was giving me as much as she could so I could help the story and put it in the script, the dialogue, and the scenes in different ways to create a beautiful, moving story.

Angelique Jackson: Judy, you said you’ve seen it. Was it seven times?

Judy Robles: It was in pieces. I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t have said that out loud.

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Angelique Jackson: It’s already been quite a bit of a press tour. You guys kicked off this movie a couple of months ago. That’s not an abnormal number. I’m curious about what nuances you see on the screen that Jennifer brought up that maybe you weren’t expecting. Sometimes, when you see somebody portray you, you’re like, “Oh, wow! I didn’t know that you saw that. I do that.”

Judy Robles: That scene that comes to mind, and Anthony’s probably going to know what she’s talking about, is when she lunges in the stands. No one expected that when that was happening. When I saw the scene, I thought, “Oh, I would’ve done that. There have been to the degree of wanting to do that. But I have yelled at people. Sorry, Anthony, I have.

Jennifer Lopez: Well, I got that from you. You told me that!

Judy Robles: I yelled at a lot of people. One of my friends in Arizona saw it. They say, “I can’t believe you’ve never gotten kicked out of a wrestling match.” That’s me. Really? I couldn’t believe that. The love was captured, and I loved it. It’s also the protectiveness she caught when I watched Anthony and wanted him to see love. People who know me, especially Anthony, that’s how I am. Do not touch my baby.

Jennifer Lopez: Say nothing about my baby! Don’t look at my baby!

Judy Robles: She caught it. Then people who know me say, “Yeah, that’s Judy.” I love Anthony. I cry all the time, and he’s fantastic. For her to go, and this side of her is here too. It’s not just the meek and behind-the-scenes, but I’m also ferocious. I’m also strong too. Don’t you dare say or do anything against my child! I loved that. It was authentic for her. Very real.

William Goldenberg: It was one of my favorite moments on the set when we did that. Judy was sitting right to the side of the camera. I walked up to her and looked at her with my thumb like that. She looked at me and said, “Exactly.” I’ll never forget that.

Jennifer Lopez: The crowd thought I was fighting with somebody for real. Nobody knew I was going to do that. It was just hilarious. Everybody was like, “Whoa!”

Judy Robles: She’s a very real wrestler’s mom. I’m just saying.

Jennifer Lopez: J-Lo is losing it. Yeah.

William Goldenberg: The look on the woman’s face who she was going after was authentic

Angelique Jackson: You’ve got to bring the real. If we’re going to tell the story–we’ve got to capture all of those real emotions and ferocity that a mother like Judy has for your son. That is the thing that drives.

William, let me ask you a technical question. This is your big feature directorial debut, but you’re coming from an editing background. How has your experience shaped your approach to directing this film, particularly in building that emotional pacing and ensuring that moments like that shine? But don’t overtake the story that we’re telling.

William Goldenberg: It’s all I’ve ever done. So I had to bring much [editing experience] to the film. It helped me in terms of knowing when I’ve got performances, knowing what angles, needs to make a scene work by using those instincts. When I’m watching the monitor like I’m watching dailies, and when I’m editing, that all plays a part in telling the story.

Also, my technical know-how in terms of visual effects and how that works and how the world works was incredibly helpful. Being around actors and making them feel like I knew what I was doing was phenomenal. I had such a phenomenal gift of having this cast.

They’re also gifted. They brought so much to the shooting every day. Every time they said a line, it was like, “Oh my, God.” It was so much better than I ever imagined all the time. Their instincts were so spot on. It has a lot to do with Anthony and Judy being around all the time and being so accessible. It imbued the set with this feeling of wanting to get it right and do right by them. It made everybody feel inspired to have them around.

The attention to detail that the cast brought with them was impressive. Everybody spent time with the real people and went above and beyond to get it right. We all felt a sense of responsibility to tell their story and make them proud.

Angelique Jackson: Jharrell, I heard you chuckle down there. What were you thinking as William was talking?

Jharrel Jarome: I love hearing him speak about himself as a director. He’s always wondering how he’s doing as a director. That’s what made him care so much about it. He’s so picky about the details and about the little moments. I prided myself on that. He didn’t know how much I loved that about him. Every time, he was like, “Is that right?” It was incredible to watch him learn, but at the same time, he wasn’t learning. He was with feet on the ground, in control, and confident. Billy, I only saw you freak out with the hike scene. Remember that? That was the one time I saw him lose it. It was so understandable. It was then when I realized that we’re actually four weeks into shooting and now you’re losing it? Because I’ve been losing it. That’s just a testament to who he is as a director. He’s a captain on set.

Angelique Jackson: Sometimes it makes you feel more seen when somebody else is stressed about how big of an endeavor this is.

Jharrel Jarome: It becomes more collaborative, especially when you realize this is a 50/50 effort.

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Angelique Jackson: As we wrap up this conversation, I want to touch on something you just said, William. It’s about how inspired you all were. Audiences will also be so inspired by the story, with some who have already seen the film and those who will be seeing it on Prime Video beginning on the 16th of January. Jennifer, I will start with you and then go around. I’m curious how being a part of this movie and this project by bringing the Robles story to the world–inspired you.

Jennifer Lopez: It inspired me. I didn’t spend as much time with Anthony as Jharrel did. I spent more time with Judy. But going around and listening to him speak, I feel very proud to be able to bring his story. The world would be better if more people knew about Anthony Robles and his story. He is an inspiring, beautiful, pure spirit by hearing him speak. Because of his mom, he learned to concentrate on what he has instead of what he doesn’t have. That is a message that the whole world needs; he is living proof. He embodies that in his everyday life. When I learned a story, it made me feel more inspired about my own life. The whole world is going to feel that way. I hope everybody sees this film.

Angelique Jackson: William, I’ll go to you next.

William Goldenberg: This sounds like something you say. Honestly, knowing the Robles family has made me a better person. It has. I do concentrate on the things I have, not what I don’t have, and the gifts I’ve been given. I have a more positive outlook. To have that happen to me at this stage in my life, I’m as surprised as anybody. My family appreciates it. A lot less complaining at home. Seriously, I’m so proud of the way the film turned out. I’m so pleased to have told their story. Like what Jennifer said, people will come away feeling better about things. I do. That’s what they get out of the film. That’s what our intention was. I thank them for doing me the honor of letting me tell their story.

Angelique Jackson: Jharrel, I’ll ask you next.

Jharrel Jarome: Film has always been an escape. It’s been medicine. That’s for all of us. It’s been a chance to let go of what we’re going through and fall into someone else’s story. I don’t think there’s any better story to fall into in times like now. We could all agree there’s a dark burden over all of us, whether financially, cultural, political, or 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, to give you a new perspective, and to remind you that you’re not alone in the struggle you’re going through. People face other struggles that you’ve never faced. And maybe, complain less. Billy, you’re right. I’ve also found myself complaining less about the things that I used to and from the understanding of appreciating what you have. Today, it feels like we got nothing. But that’s not the case. We have each other, and we have family. This film reminds us of that.

Angelique Jackson: Anthony, I will ask you to step outside yourself for a moment, since this is your story. What do you think this film really conveys about the power of the human spirit?

Anthony Robles: It shows that the human spirit can overcome anything. There will be times when you’re doubting yourself, when you’re in pain, when you feel like you’re at your breaking point. You can overcome that. To me, this is what Unstoppable is. This film does a beautiful job of capturing that belief and just being able to push forward one step at a time. I’m so thankful for the group that came together to tell it. With Billy leading the way, this story is so authentic. Jharrel is capturing things from my perspective. Jennifer, 99% of the world doubted me, but that 1% was my mom who made me believe in myself, which is why I’m here today. My mom has been my hero. Jennifer captured that on the screen, and people will see it. They’re going to relate in one way or another. They’ll be inspired to wrestle with what they’re dealing with now. So I can’t wait for that.

Angelique Jackson: Well, thank you so much for bringing us this beautiful film and opening up on screen and in this conversation. Congratulations to you, Anthony Robles, Jharrel Jarome, Judy Robles, Jennifer Lopez, and William Goldenberg. As a reminder, Unstoppable is available in select theaters now and on Prime Video beginning January 16th. Thank you, everyone.

Unstoppable streams on Prime Video starting Thursday, January 16.

For news and interviews, contact Gig Patta at [email protected]. Follow https://x.com/GigPatta, https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGigPatta, https://www.instagram.com/gigpatta, or https://www.tiktok.com/gigpatta for all his postings and musings in entertainment.

Source: LRM Online, Prime Video