Jennifer Lopez returns to romcoms with 'Marry Me'
U.S. actress Jennifer Lopez arrives for a special screening of "Marry Me" at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) in Los Angeles, U.S., Feb. 8, 2022. (AFP Photo)


Jennifer Lopez is returning to romantic comedies with the new film "Marry Me," in which she portrays a pop superstar whose life is followed by millions of fans.

Often snapped by photographers herself, in the movie Lopez plays Kat Valdez, half of a music superstar couple with her partner Bastian.

The two plan to wed in front of a global audience, streaming their nuptials to their fans, but shortly before, Kat learns Bastian has been unfaithful and instead marries a stranger in the crowd, Charlie, played by Owen Wilson.

"This wasn't a role where I had to research what it was like to be a famous recording artist ... I understand what all of that is already," Lopez said during a virtual press conference.

"The difficult part was ... the idea of showing what it's really like inside my bedroom when something goes wrong and you suffer a heartbreak like this in front of the whole world and the media kind of goes to town on you."

Released in time for Valentine's Day, the movie is a rom-com "homecoming" for Lopez, known for films like "Maid in Manhattan," "The Wedding Planner" and "The Back-up Plan."

"I, as a moviegoer, love romantic comedies. Those are some of my favorite movies of all time, whether it's 'When Harry met Sally' or 'Prelude to a Kiss' or any of these types of movies," Lopez said.

"All of those movies are what I grew up on in a way, and I love them so much. And so it is kind of a homecoming for me because I haven't done one in a few years."

Colombian singer Maluma makes his acting debut in the film, playing Bastian.

"We both love music. We both love touring, (performing) and everything. So I felt pretty connected," he said of his character, though dismissing Bastian's unfaithfulness.

"I enjoyed ... the experience of being in the movie ... even making the music was beautiful too."

"Marry Me" hits U.S. and British cinemas on Friday.