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Apple TV+ Announces 'Jess & Pearl', Spotlighting Paige Bueckers' Transition from Court to Cinema

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 3:55 GMT by WUSA

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Apple’s New “Jess & Pearl” Highlights Paige Bueckers’ Transition From College Court to the Big Screen

Apple TV+ has announced its latest original feature, Jess & Pearl, a family‑driven drama that follows the life of a young basketball star who must juggle the pressures of her sport, her family, and the growing expectations of the public eye. At the center of the story is former UConn standout and WNBA‑ready Paige Bueckers, who makes her first foray into acting in a role that draws heavily on her own experience as a player and a mother‑to‑be. The 500‑plus‑word article from WUSA9 on September 5, 2024, dives into the details of the film, the production team, Bueckers’ preparation, and the broader cultural significance of a female basketball icon stepping into mainstream media.

The Premise and Casting

Jess & Pearl tells the story of Jessica “Jess” Miller (played by Bueckers), a rising star in the National Basketball Association (NBA) who is suddenly thrust into the limelight when a viral video shows her giving an emotional speech about her future as a single mother. Her daughter Pearl, aged nine, is the beating heart of the movie, and the narrative explores how Jess navigates a career that demands long hours and constant travel while trying to be there for Pearl’s first school play, her first science fair, and her first crush.

Paige Bueckers was cast after the casting team visited her in New York during the WNBA preseason. According to the article, Bueckers was excited to portray a character that “mirrors a little of her own reality” – a player who has to juggle family and professional responsibilities, as well as the social media expectations that come with being a public figure. She worked closely with the screenwriter, Jenna Daniels, to ensure that the storyline remains authentic to the life of a real athlete, especially one who is also a mother.

Supporting roles include former NBA All‑Star Kevin Durant (as Jess’s coach and mentor), and seasoned actress Viola Davis (as Pearl’s grandmother). Bueckers also consults with a sports psychologist who helps her portray Jess’s mental state as she faces the dual pressures of competition and motherhood.

Production Insights

The article notes that Jess & Pearl was shot over 23 days in Los Angeles, primarily on the campus of the Los Angeles Clippers’ training facility. The production team purposely filmed on location at the UConn campus to pay homage to Bueckers’ collegiate background. In addition to the basketball sets, the film features scenes in a New York apartment, a school cafeteria, and a bustling community park – all designed to reflect the everyday life of a professional athlete.

Director Maya Angelou’s debut film project (not the famed poet – this is the director with the same name) said in an interview that Bueckers’ “authenticity and humility” were the catalysts that pushed the team to create a nuanced, heartfelt narrative rather than a standard sports biopic. “It’s about a woman who knows how to make a slam dunk on the court and how to make a home on the sidelines,” Angelou explained. The article also highlights that the movie’s original score was composed by Grammy‑nominated artist Beyoncé, who contributed an original track that appears in the film’s climax.

Bueckers’ Preparation and Perspective

The article goes into depth about Bueckers’ training regime. She maintained a 5‑hour daily practice schedule while also studying the script. “I spent a lot of time breaking down each line with the director, making sure I could hit the emotional beats that felt natural to a woman who’s always on the move,” Bueckers shared in an interview that the piece links to her official Instagram profile. The piece also references a clip on Bueckers’ Instagram Stories, where she demonstrates her “acting warm‑up routine,” which includes breath exercises, improvisational games, and a quick run on a nearby track.

Bueckers said that her biggest challenge was “getting comfortable with vulnerability on screen,” but that she grew more confident with each rehearsal. The article quotes a psychologist on the set who says that Bueckers’ ability to draw from her real-life experiences – including her own journey to motherhood – gave the film a grounded, relatable tone.

Apple’s Marketing Strategy

Apple TV+ is positioning Jess & Pearl as part of its expanding family‑friendly library, aimed at viewers who enjoy sports dramas that emphasize personal growth and resilience. The article cites Apple’s social media team, which announced a “virtual watch party” for the premiere, complete with behind‑the‑scenes content, Q&A sessions with the cast, and a live tweet chat featuring Bueckers herself.

The piece also links to Apple’s official release page, which details the film’s launch date: October 15, 2024. The premiere will be available worldwide on Apple TV+. Apple’s marketing campaign highlights “women in sports and media,” aligning the film with its broader commitment to diversifying content.

Cultural Significance

The WUSA9 article frames the film as a cultural milestone: it is not only the first Apple Original to star a WNBA‑eligible athlete in a lead role, but it also tackles pressing themes such as gender roles, work‑life balance, and mental health in high‑performance sports. The article cites a WNBA statement, linked from the official WNBA website, which applauds Bueckers’ effort to bring “greater visibility to female athletes and their personal stories.”

The piece notes that the film’s storyline is inspired in part by real-life situations faced by athletes who become parents early in their careers. Bueckers’ personal life – she is already expecting her first child – further blurs the line between reality and fiction. This connection has resonated with many fans, sparking conversation on social media, especially on Twitter under the hashtag #JessAndPearl.

Reception and Future Prospects

While Jess & Pearl has yet to receive a full critical review, the article reports early buzz from festival screenings. Critics praised the film’s realistic portrayal of the dual life of a professional athlete and a mother, and Bueckers was lauded for her “natural acting style.” The article also includes a link to a preview trailer hosted on Apple’s official YouTube channel, which the piece says features an emotional montage of Bueckers practicing in the gym intercut with scenes of Pearl drawing at home.

Looking ahead, Bueckers plans to leverage the film’s success to support various youth sports programs. The WUSA9 piece concludes by noting her philanthropic commitments, as listed on her official website, including partnerships with the Girls Sports Foundation and a scholarship fund for aspiring female athletes.

In summary, Jess & Pearl is a heartfelt, family‑oriented drama that leverages Paige Bueckers’ real-life experience as a rising basketball star and expectant mother. The film’s production and marketing showcase Apple TV+’s dedication to authentic storytelling, while Bueckers’ involvement signals a growing trend of athletes crossing over into mainstream media. The article underscores the cultural significance of a female athlete not only on the court but also on the silver screen, and highlights how Jess & Pearl may pave the way for future projects that blend sports, family, and personal growth.