Paige Bueckers Plans Starring Role Executive Produce Apple Women's Basketball Film

Paige Bueckers, the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year and Dallas Wings guard, is making a notable transition from basketball to Hollywood by starring in and executive producing the upcoming women’s basketball film "Jess & Pearl," developed by Apple Original Films. The movie, based on an original idea by Zahir McGhee, explores the evolving friendship and rivalry between two basketball phenoms amid the pressures of fame and the college athletics business. This will be Bueckers' first major acting role, marking a significant expansion of her career beyond the court. The production team includes notable figures such as David Bernad of Middle Child Pictures and producers Lindsay Kagawa Colas and Tommy Alter. While the release date and other cast members have yet to be announced, there is speculation and hope among fans that fellow WNBA star Angel Reese might also join the project. Bueckers' move into film follows a broader trend of WNBA players branching out into media and entertainment, enhancing their personal brands.