Kiss of the Spider Woman is a highly anticipated 2025 American musical drama film directed by Bill Condon. Based on the stage musical by Terrence McNally, John Kander, and Fred Ebb, the film tells the poignant story of two men in a prison cell: Valentín, a political prisoner, and Molina, a window dresser convicted of public indecency.
Together, they develop an unlikely bond as Molina narrates the plot of a Hollywood musical starring his favourite silver screen diva, Ingrid Luna. The movie features Jennifer Lopez in the titular role, alongside Diego Luna and Tonatiuh.
Set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025 and theatrically in October 2025, the film was shot in various locations in the United States. Below, we dive into the filming locations and details behind Kiss of the Spider Woman.
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When and Where was Lionsgate’s Kiss of the Spider Woman Filmed?
| Title | Kiss of the Spider Woman |
|---|---|
| Genres | Musical Drama |
| Filming Locations | New Jersey, USA |
| Filming Start Date | March 21, 2024 |
| Filming End Date | June 16, 2024 |
| Cinematography by | Tobias A. Schliessler |
| Release Date | October 10, 2025 |
Principal photography began in March 2024 in New Jersey, with filming concluding by June 2024.
Kearny, New Jersey, USA
One of the main filming locations for Kiss of the Spider Woman was Kearny, New Jersey. This town in the northeastern part of the state provided the perfect urban backdrop for several of the film’s indoor and prison scenes. The production made extensive use of the local facilities to build out the environments that would house the emotional and dramatic moments of the film.
10 Basin Studios, Kearny, NJ
Address: 10 Basin Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032
This studio location was used for a significant portion of the film’s production. Known for its spacious soundstages, it allowed the filmmakers to create a realistic prison environment while also providing the necessary flexibility for musical sequences. The large studios were ideal for building intricate set pieces without having to move locations frequently.
Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
Jersey City, just across the river from Manhattan, was another key filming location. The vibrant city was utilized for its dynamic blend of modernity and historical charm, making it perfect for the film’s scenes that required a mix of both urban drama and quieter, reflective moments.
Cinelease Studios, 21 Caven Point Avenue, Jersey City, NJ
Address: 21 Caven Point Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07305
This location at Cinelease Studios was pivotal in providing controlled environments for many of the film’s interior scenes. The studio’s facilities are renowned for their versatility and were ideal for creating the claustrophobic atmosphere needed to portray the tension between the two central characters in their prison cell.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Espacio de Arte Contemporáneo (EAC), a well-known cultural center in Montevideo, Uruguay, was also used to film key prison scenes in Kiss of the Spider Woman. The production made use of this location for sequences depicting the prison environment. The building’s stark, minimalist architecture and industrial feel lent a gritty realism to the prison setting, helping to immerse the audience in the oppressive atmosphere of the film.
Espacio de Arte Contemporáneo (EAC), Montevideo, Uruguay
Address: Arenal Grande 1930, 11800 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay
EAC is a former prison that was repurposed into a contemporary art space, making it a unique filming location. The stark, concrete architecture and confined spaces perfectly matched the atmosphere needed for the scenes showcasing the prisoners’ interactions and struggles. These scenes added a raw, authentic layer to the emotional depth of the film.
Kiss of the Spider Woman Behind the Scenes
To make your search for Lionsgate’s Kiss of the Spider Woman filming even more interesting and enjoyable, we shared a behind-the-scenes photo here.
The movie stars and fans also shared some behind-the-scenes glimpses on their social media account, Instagram:-
Principal photography began on March 21, 2024, in New Jersey, with the intention to finish before Jennifer Lopez embarked on her planned This Is Me… Live tour, which was later cancelled in May 2024. Lopez confirmed during a live broadcast that she had completed filming her scenes and had lost weight for the role of Aurora.
She described the filming experience as both “exhilarating and exhausting.” Production wrapped on June 16, 2024, and the film is dedicated to the memories of key individuals, including Fred Ebb, Terrence McNally, and Chita Rivera, who originated the role of Aurora.
FAQs
Q: Where was Kiss of the Spider Woman filmed?
A: Filming took place in Kearny and Jersey City, New Jersey, at various studio locations, including 10 Basin Studios in Kearny and Cinelease Studios in Jersey City.
Q: When did filming for Kiss of the Spider Woman take place?
A: Filming started on March 21, 2024, and concluded on June 16, 2024.
Q: Why was New Jersey chosen for filming?
A: New Jersey provided a mix of modern urban landscapes and controlled studio environments, which were perfect for the film’s dramatic and musical elements. Locations like 10 Basin Studios and Cinelease Studios allowed for flexible production, especially for the prison scenes.
Q: What is the film about?
A: Kiss of the Spider Woman follows the story of Valentín, a political prisoner, and Molina, a convicted window dresser, as they bond over stories of a Hollywood musical. The film explores themes of love, freedom, and survival against oppressive circumstances.
Q: When will Kiss of the Spider Woman be released?
A: The film is set to release theatrically on October 10, 2025, after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025.
Kiss of the Spider Woman will be available in theatres across the United States starting October 10, 2025, by Lionsgate. Make sure to catch this extraordinary film that has already garnered rave reviews at its Sundance premiere.