Jennifer Lopez swoons over Brett Goldstein in first look at rom-com 'Office Romance'

Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein tackle a covert office romance in their latest romantic comedy. 

Lopez, 56, involved with the film since 2024, shares with PEOPLE that she was immediately attracted to the "fun, risqué and romantic" storyline. "It's a romantic comedy! It's a timeless love story, mixed with sharper modern humor," states Lopez, emphasising that the Office Romance script "felt immediately unique, representing a fresh take on romantic comedies that resonate with today's audience."

"I was juggling several projects, but I knew I had to do this film, so we made it work," the actress reveals. "It's exactly the kind of film we all could use right now."

Goldstein, 45, explains to PEOPLE that he and cowriter Joe Kelly wrote Office Romance specifically for Lopez during a train trip while filming Ted Lasso’s third season, describing the movie as "a classic rom-com with punchy humor."

"We started thinking about who is the ultimate rom-com star, and we both instantly thought of JLo. By the end of a lengthy train journey, we had the entire concept laid out," says Goldstein. "Creating a romantic comedy with JLo in mind comes naturally. She excels in this genre. Our goal was to craft something witty and clever enough for her to agree."

Lopez describes her role as Jackie as a "dedicated professional, extremely focused and not seeking distractions," which stands in contrast to her real-life attitude.

"There may be similarities due to both being CEOs, but there's a stark difference between Jackie's character and my own life," she says. "While I am deeply committed to my work, I understand and value the importance of work-life balance and maintaining personal relationships."

Having shared the screen with stars like Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes, and Richard Gere, Lopez remarks that Goldstein "brought an incredible calmness and self-confidence" to his role in the romantic film. 

"He has a grounded, authentic presence," she points out. "He wasn’t trying to force the romance or comedy because his natural humor and charm just shined through effortlessly."

Even before filming began, Lopez and Goldstein displayed strong chemistry, shares director Ol Parker, who also directed the 2022 romantic comedy Ticket to Paradise with George Clooney and Julia Roberts, as well as 2018's Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. "I had lunch with them long before we started, and we laughed throughout the meal, making me certain this was going to go smoothly," he says.

Office Romance also showcases a talented cast that includes Betty Gilpin, Tony Hale, Amy Sedaris and Edward James Olmos.

In a conversation with PEOPLE, Parker, 59, highlights that the film is more provocative than Lopez's past romantic films. 

"It slightly pushes what audiences might typically expect from a Jennifer Lopez film," he expresses. "She was thrilled about that and delivered plenty of humor."

The movie shifts power dynamics by portraying Goldstein as Lopez's subordinate. This dynamic added comedic potential, notes Goldstein, who explores similar themes in his Apple TV series, Shrinking. 

"Workplace romances intrigue me because they're naturally complex," Goldstein observes. "Navigating propriety while grappling with emotions is a fertile ground for comedy and romance."

Office Romance arrives on Netflix on Friday, June 5.