Ben Affleck awkwardly stood alone on stage for seven minutes at ‘Spider-Woman’ premiere

Ben Affleck announced his latest project with a bit of a flop that made for some funny moments at the premiere.

The 53-year-old actor and producer had an awkward moment on stage at the New York City premiere of Kiss of the Spider Woman held at The Shed on Monday, October 6.

Affleck, who produced the musical starring his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez, walked the red carpet before being escorted into the theater with other attendees. Inside, I stepped in front of the theater where director Bill Condon was giving an introductory speech.

The Artists Equity co-founder then stood alone behind Condon for more than seven minutes while the filmmakers gave greetings.

The actor walked in front of the audience holding a can of Diet Coke, eventually placing it on the ground. He waited out front with his hands folded as Condon shouted out John Kander, the film’s producer, star, and composer.

After several minutes passed, Condon turned and noticed Affleck. “I didn’t know you were there,” he said in surprise, before walking towards Affleck and hugging him.

The filmmaker concluded his speech by introducing Lopez and co-star Tonatiuh. Affleck was in good spirits throughout, greeting the audience after the pair’s performance.

“I’m humbled and honored to be standing here,” he said. “I won’t go into too much detail except that my main goal when I started Artist Equity was to empower great artists, tell inspiring stories, create opportunities for these kinds of great stories to be told, and work with the best directors, the best actors, and the best material in the world.”

Affleck continued, “We did all of that in this movie. It’s an honor to be here. This movie is awesome.”

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He then addressed his colleagues directly, saying, “Jennifer, you’re amazing. Bill, you did a great job. Tonatiu, you’re phenomenal. Welcome to lifelong stardom. Have fun. There will be ups and downs, but you’re here.”

“It’s really a thrill and an honor. I’m most proud of this movie. Thank you (for letting me be a part),” he concluded.

Affleck produced the film under his and Matt Damon’s Artist Equity production company, while Lopez also produced under his Nuyorican Productions banner.

At the premiere, Affleck and Lopez posed together to celebrate the upcoming release. Photos showed the friendly ex-lovers chatting to each other on the carpet.

During Lopez’s introduction prior to the film, she thanked Affleck. “Thank you so much. Thank you everyone for being here tonight. Thank you, Ben. Without Ben and Artist Equity, this movie would not have been made,” she said.

Kiss of the Spider Woman premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film is a reimagining of the 1993 Broadway stage musical by Kander, Ebb, and Terrence McNally, starring Chita Rivera. It also drew inspiration from the 1985 film starring William Hurt, Raul Julia and Sonia Braga. All are based on the 1976 novel by Argentine author Manuel Puig.

Condon, known for his work on films such as “Dreamgirls” and “Chicago,” will write and direct the film, and López will star alongside Diego Luna and Tonatiu as Ingrid Luna, the “singer of the silver screen.”

Kiss of the Spider Woman will be released in theaters on October 10th.