Kiss Of The Spider Woman is a dramatic musical directed by Bill Condon, starring Diego Luna, Tonatiuh, and Jennifer Lopez. Based on Manuel Puig’s novel and the Broadway musical, the film is set to hit French theaters on February 18, 2026. This latest version brings to the screen a significant work from Latin America’s queer cultural canon, which was originally adapted into a film in 1985 by Hector Babenco.
In a prison under an authoritarian regime in Latin America, Valentín, a political activist, shares a cell with Molina, a window dresser convicted of public indecency. Despite their obvious differences, the two men find themselves confined in a small space where initial mistrust gradually gives way to an unexpected connection. To escape the brutality of daily prison life, Molina recounts to his cellmate the plot of a Hollywood musical he knows inside out.
Throughout the story, the dazzling world of Ingrid Luna, a magnetic diva played by Jennifer Lopez, spills over into the cell, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. This musical mise en abyme becomes a space of projection, desire, and defiance, transforming the relationship between the two men into a complex bond intertwined with affection, manipulation, and political commitment.
Staying true to his signature style, director Bill Condon continues his exploration of musical storytelling and iconic characters, from Dreamgirls to Beauty and the Beast. This new project brings to the big screen the musical crafted by John Kander and Fred Ebb, itself adapted from Manuel Puig's 1976 novel. The 1985 adaptation by Hector Babenco left a significant mark on international cinema—and earned William Hurt an Oscar for his compelling performance.
Debuted at numerous international festivals prior to its commercial release, this new adaptation features a Latin American cast and adopts a theatrical style that pays homage to classic Hollywood musicals. The film has received nominations at the 2026 Queerties awards (for Best Performance in a Film for Tonatiuh and Best Drama Film) as well as at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards in the Outstanding Film – Wide Release category, according to the organizations’ official statements.
Blending prison drama with stylized musical numbers, the film creates a hybrid genre that fuses intimate melodrama with large-scale spectacle. The direction shifts seamlessly between confined spaces and choreographed sequences, evoking contemporary experimental musical styles while remaining rooted in a politically charged and emotionally resonant story. The work appeals to audiences drawn to musical epics and narratives exploring identity and power dynamics.
Kiss Of The Spider Woman
Film | 2026
Release date in theaters: February 18, 2026
Musical, Drama, Romance | Runtime: 2h08
Directed by Bill Condon | Starring Diego Luna, Tonatiuh, Jennifer Lopez
Original title: Kiss Of The Spider Woman
Country: United States
Revisiting a classic of literature and musical theatre, Kiss Of The Spider Woman explores the intertwined themes of imagination, desire, and political activism through a hybrid style that blends prison realism with Hollywood glamour. This fresh adaptation continues the career of a filmmaker known for capturing artistic portraits and sweeping musical epics, while also reconnecting with a foundational work of contemporary queer culture.
To extend your movie-going experience, check out the February release schedule, explore the current must-see films, and browse our best romantic comedies of the year.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
