Jennifer Lopez has revisited one of cinema's most recognisable science-fiction characters for Halloween, transforming herself into a 1960s screen icon. The singer and actress paid tribute to former co-star Jane Fonda by recreating her role in the cult classic Barbarella.
Lopez shared a series of transformation photos on Instagram on Sunday, the first of November. They feature blonde hair, futuristic outfits, and accessories inspired by the original film.
A Barbarella Transformation
The 57-year-old presented two distinct looks based on Fonda's portrayal of the space traveller in the 1968 film. One look featured a ripped black bodysuit layered with a draped chainmail top and miniskirt. She completed this outfit with silver bangles, arm accessories and metallic heeled boots.
In another set of photographs, Lopez wore a white plunging bodysuit with black detailing, paired with coordinating white knee-high boots. A male performer accompanied her, portraying the winged character Pygar.
Lopez captioned her Instagram carousel 'BARBARELLA' and explained the personal significance of her costume. She wrote, 'I dressed up as my Monster-in-Law for Halloween...the original SPACE ANGEL,' and expressed her message of 'love' for her former co-star.
Fonda's Sci-Fi Legacy
Jane Fonda starred as a space traveller in Roger Vadim's 1968 science-fiction film Barbarella. The film is known for its provocative themes, elaborate costumes, and distinctive futuristic style.
Fonda's portrayal helped establish Barbarella as an enduring figure in 1960s pop culture, with the film later gaining a cult following. Rose McGowan, Sydney Sweeney and Nicolas Winding Refn were involved in subsequent Barbarella adaptation plans.
Lopez's tribute also carries a personal connection. The actresses first collaborated in the 2005 romantic comedy Monster-in-Law, where Fonda played Viola Fields, mother-in-law to Lopez's character, Charlotte Cantilini.
'The biggest stroke of luck was getting the role in Monster-in-Law at a point in my career when I had been out of the acting business for 15 years or more,' Fonda told The Mirror in 2022. 'It was with Jennifer Lopez, and it was a great comeback for me.' She added, 'I thought, "People are going to come to the movie to see J Lo, but they'll rediscover Fonda", and that's what happened'.
Separately, Fonda introduced Lopez at her 2013 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. She also played Sagittarius, a member of the Zodiacal Council, in Lopez's 2024 film This Is Me...Now: A Love Story. The pair later appeared together at the CAA Pre-Oscar Party in February 2025, marking 20 years since their Monster-in-Law collaboration.
Spider-Inspired Fashion Statement
Lopez has previously embraced a spider-inspired fashion outside of Halloween. In January 2025, she attended the Sundance Film Festival premiere of her musical drama Kiss of the Spider Woman, wearing a sheer spiderweb gown.
The dress – named Vortex 7 – was designed by Albanian designer Valdrin Sahiti. It featured two embellished web designs across the shoulder and bodice, creating a cascading pattern against its transparent fabric. She completed the look with black Christian Louboutin heels, a satin clutch by Tyler Ellis and a loosely styled updo with face-framing waves.
The gown referenced her film, where she played Aurora, a screen star whose fantasy performances provide an escape from prison life.
