Paige Bueckers to Star in New Apple Sports Drama,”Jess & Pearl”
Rising WNBA star Paige Bueckers is expanding her reach beyond the basketball court. She’s set to make her feature film debut in Jess & Pearl, a sports drama being developed by apple Original Films. This marks a significant step for the young athlete, fresh off a record-breaking rookie season.
A Story of Friendship and Rivalry
The film, conceived by writer Zahir McGhee, delves into the complex world of women’s college basketball. It centers on two exceptionally talented players whose close friendship is tested by the pressures of fame and competition.Ultimately, the ruthless nature of collegiate athletics threatens to transform their bond into a fierce rivalry.
Key Players Behind the Scenes
David Bernad,a producer known for his work on The white Lotus,will helm the project through his Middle Child Pictures.Lindsay Kagawa Colas and Tommy Alter of Wasserman are also producing. Bueckers herself will take on an executive producer role, lending her personal experience to the narrative.
Bueckers’ Remarkable Ascent
Bueckers’ journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. She led the UConn Huskies to the 2025 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball championship. Subsequently, she was the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, landing with the Dallas Wings. Her stellar performance earned her the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year award and a place on the prestigious 2025 TIME100 Next list.
What This Means for Women’s Basketball Depiction
This project arrives at a pivotal moment for women’s sports. Jess & pearl promises to offer a compelling and nuanced portrayal of the challenges and triumphs faced by female athletes. It’s a story that will resonate with fans and newcomers alike.
Production powerhouse
Middle Child Pictures is currently enjoying success with several projects. They are in post-production on the second season of the emmy-nominated Jury Duty and the Netflix film Little Brother. Additionally, they are preparing for the fourth season of the critically acclaimed The White Lotus.
McGhee’s Proven Track Record
Zahir McGhee brings a wealth of experience to Jess & pearl. He served as a co-executive producer on the Hulu series Reasonable Doubt and spent six seasons on Scandal. He also created and showran Queens for ABC, demonstrating his ability to craft engaging and impactful television.
This film represents an exciting new chapter for Paige Bueckers. It also highlights the growing demand for compelling stories centered around women in sports. You can expect to see this project generate significant buzz as it moves forward.
