Jennifer Lopez is no stranger to success in Hollywood. From her early roles in films like Anaconda and Selena to her chart-topping music career, Lopez, affectionately known as J.Lo or Jenny from the Block, has become an iconic multi-hyphenate talent. Her seamless transition between music and acting has made her one of the most influential Latina performers in the entertainment industry. But despite her long list of successes, there is one role that continues to haunt her—one that could have shaped her career in an entirely different direction.

Before Lopez’s transformative performance in Hustlers (2019), her screen presence was often defined by romantic comedies and big-budget studio films. Movies like Maid in Manhattan, The Wedding Planner, and Monster-in-Law were box-office hits, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. But beneath her commercial success, there was always a desire for something deeper, something that could push her to take on a more dramatic and challenging role. That opportunity almost came in the form of the 2002 film Unfaithful, directed by Adrian Lyne.

Unfaithful centers around Connie (played by Diane Lane), a woman whose marriage to her husband, played by Richard Gere, begins to deteriorate. A passionate affair with a book collector ignites a dangerous spiral that eventually leads to tragedy. The film received widespread acclaim, with Diane Lane’s gripping portrayal of Connie earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

However, Unfaithful was almost a different film altogether. Lopez, who had established herself in mainstream cinema by then, was originally offered the role of Connie. But she turned it down. Reflecting on her decision years later, Lopez admitted that the script didn’t seem quite right to her at the time, even though she acknowledged that Adrian Lyne—known for films like Fatal Attraction—had the potential to elevate the material.

“There was a movie called Unfaithful. And it was offered to me, and the script, for me, wasn’t all the way there. I should have known that [director] Adrian Lyne was going to kill it, but I didn’t,” Lopez said, admitting her regret. “Diane Lane was so perfect for it, and it was obviously meant to be her, but when I think about that, I want to literally, like, shoot my toe off. I do.”

While the regret is palpable, Lopez’s honesty about the missed opportunity reveals an actor who is not only self-aware but unafraid to acknowledge her career’s what-ifs. It’s a sentiment shared by many in the industry—great roles that slip away often become sources of reflection and even remorse. Yet, Lopez recognizes that sometimes, fate has a way of aligning things as they are meant to be, especially in hindsight.

The film was a critical success, and Diane Lane’s performance earned her widespread acclaim, cementing her place as one of Hollywood’s finest actresses. But for Lopez, the missed opportunity is a reminder of the risks involved in choosing a script and the unpredictable nature of a career in Hollywood. After all, who could have predicted that Lopez—already a household name for her romantic comedies—would later surprise audiences with her hard-hitting role as a stripper in Hustlers, a part that shattered her public image and earned her a Golden Globe nomination?

Lopez’s stunning turn in Hustlers (2019) proved that she was more than just a rom-com star, showing the world her range as an actress. The film, which follows a group of New York strippers who target wealthy Wall Street clients, was both a critical and commercial success. Lopez’s portrayal of Ramona, a savvy, ambitious dancer, not only solidified her acting chops but also marked a significant shift in her career. Many critics compared her role in Hustlers to Adam Sandler’s transformative performance in Uncut Gems, both actors taking on gritty, unexpected parts that pushed their careers into bold new territory.

Lopez’s willingness to take on diverse roles in the years since, including her critically lauded performance in Hustlers, has only further emphasized her versatility and willingness to push boundaries. And despite turning down the role in Unfaithful, she has found ways to reconnect with the indie film world. While Lopez may not have had her Oscar moment with Unfaithful, the door remains open for her to explore more unexpected roles, perhaps even leading her to the kind of critical acclaim that has eluded her in the past.

As she continues to evolve as an artist, Lopez has shown no signs of slowing down, and her future in Hollywood remains full of possibilities. It’s easy to imagine that, just like her role in Hustlers, there may be more surprises in store, with the kind of raw, emotional performances that she never shied away from—but only now, with a new level of depth and experience.

In the end, Jennifer Lopez’s career has been defined by bold choices and the willingness to step outside the box. Whether it’s turning down a pivotal role or delivering a groundbreaking performance in a role that nobody saw coming, she continues to prove that, for J.Lo, the journey is far from over.