Jennifer Lopez Transforms Into Barbarella for Jane Fonda Tribute—Reviving the Untold 20-Year Story Behind Their On-Screen Slap

Jennifer Lopez completely transformed her signature look on November 1, revealing a blonde sci-fi costume inspired directly by Jane Fonda’s titular character in the 1968 cult classic Barbarella. Decked out in chainmail, metallic boots, and retro space aesthetics, Lopez publicly honored her longtime Hollywood confidante and former co-star.

Lopez revealed the look across an Instagram carousel, confirming that she chose to dress up as her former on-screen nemesis to celebrate both Halloween and an enduring real-life partnership. The dramatic homage quickly rekindled public interest in the duo’s two-decade dynamic, which spans blockbuster box office triumphs, accidental on-set injuries, and candid personal advice.

Jennifer Lopez in Paris, France.

Channeling the Original Space Angel: Inside Lopez’s Tribute

For the themed shoot, Lopez recreated several signature outfits from the 1968 film, where Fonda played a futuristic space traveler. In one setup, the Office Romance actress donned a tattered black bodysuit beneath a draped chainmail top and matching miniskirt, complemented by layered silver bangles.

Other shots showcased knee-high footwear variations, ranging from high-shine metallic silver heeled boots to white knee-high boots featuring a center black stripe paired with an archival-style one-piece. In another frame, Lopez posed with her back turned toward the camera alongside a male co-star.

Jane Fonda as Barbarella in the 1968 film.

“BARBARELLA,” Lopez captioned the photo set, referencing their celebrated pairing in the 2005 romantic comedy Monster-in-Law. “I dressed up as my Monster-in-Law for Halloween…the original SPACE ANGEL. Love you @JaneFonda.”

A companion video posted shortly after gave a closer look at the dewy makeup and behind-the-scenes set work. “Her specialty is love,” Lopez noted in the follow-up clip, referencing one of the classic film’s best-known taglines.

Jane Fonda in costume for Barbarella.

Jane Fonda in Barbarella.

The Monster-in-Law Connection and the Slap Scene Gone Wrong

The close bond between the two performers traces back to the production of Monster-in-Law in the mid-2000s. The film served as a major turning point for Fonda, who had originally stepped away from acting in 1991 and had not appeared on screen in 15 years until accepting the role of Viola Fields.

During one of the comedy’s most iconic physical sequences, Lopez’s character, Charlie Cantilini, engages in an escalating slap fight with Viola. What was choreographed as cinematic slapstick quickly turned into an authentic physical injury.

“I was so afraid to hit Jane Fonda in the face or hurt her in any way. And really, her character was very much like her, and my character at the time was very much like me. I was so afraid of her.”

Lopez recalled in a retrospective YouTube video that her manicured nail accidentally caught Fonda near her eye during filming, leaving a visible blood blister. While Lopez remembered being mortified by the slip-up, Fonda shared her own humorous perspective during a 2023 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show.

Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez on April 29, 2005.

“Well Jennifer, as per Jennifer, she had this enormous diamond ring, and so when she slapped me one of the times, it cut open across my eye, my eyebrow,” Fonda revealed lightheartedly to Barrymore. “And she’s never apologized.”

Myth vs. Reality: Did On-Set Friction Ruin Their Relationship?

Despite persistent tabloid speculation suggesting that physical mishaps on comedic sets create lasting rivalries, the exact opposite unfolded between the co-stars. Fonda has repeatedly credited Lopez with revitalizing her box office profile.

• Public Myth: The accidental slap caused an unbridgeable feud between the veteran Oscar winner and the pop superstar.
• Documented Reality: The incident cemented their camaraderie; Fonda gifted Lopez an expensive diamond watch immediately after filming wrapped to commemorate their collaboration.

Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda on February 7, 2011.

Speaking on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Fonda called accepting the movie the “only smart career thing I ever did,” noting that while audiences initially bought tickets for Lopez, the performance allowed millions to rediscover her talent. Monster-in-Law became a bona fide commercial hit, earning $155 million at the worldwide box office.

Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda on June 4, 2011.

Fonda’s Candid Warnings and Personal Advice

Their connection extended far beyond professional promotions. In 2013, Fonda served as the official speaker presenting Lopez with her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, declaring that Lopez deserved an entire block of stars rather than just one.

Decades later, Fonda agreed to appear in Lopez’s narrative project This Is Me…Now: A Love Story as a member of the zodiac council. In the accompanying documentary feature, The Greatest Love Story Never Told, cameras captured Fonda giving unvarnished advice concerning Lopez’s high-profile marriage to Ben Affleck.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.

“I want you to know that I don’t entirely know why, but I feel invested in you and Ben, and I really want this to work. However, this is my concern. Like, it feels too much like you’re trying to prove something instead of just living it.”

Lopez defended the intense public displays of affection at the time, stating, “That’s just us living our life.” Fonda also voiced concern over viral images from the 2023 Grammys where Affleck appeared visibly strained, with Lopez explaining that Affleck joked he had simply become “the symbol of the beleaguered man.”

The marriage ultimately ran its course, with the couple parting ways months later and finalizing their divorce in early 2025 after roughly two years of marriage.

Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez on February 28, 2025.

Key Milestones of the Lopez-Fonda Creative Partnership

The timeline below highlights the key professional intersections that have defined their collaboration over the past two decades:

✨ Lopez’s deliberate homage proves that the bond forged on a 2005 comedy set remains as active and creative as ever.

💬 From sharing the screen to trading honest life advice, their Hollywood connection continues to deliver memorable cultural moments.

👇 Which Jane Fonda look should Jennifer Lopez tackle next? Share your favorite costume moments in the comments below!