Paige Bueckers just wrapped up one of the best rookie seasons we’ve seen in years, and she’s not slowing down anytime soon. As she told PEOPLE, “I’m looking forward to having an offseason, having things specifically I wanna work on and get better at.” before winning the RoTY title. But no one expected those plans to reach the Hollywood. 

According to a Deadline report on October 29, the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year is following in the footsteps of NBA legend Ray Allen, who played Jesus Shuttlesworth in He Got Game nearly 30 years ago. Now, PB is stepping into Hollywood herself, since she’ll be starring in Apple’s upcoming original Jess & Pearl, based on an idea by Scandal writer Zahir McGhee.

That’s not all, she will also serve as an executive producer, drawing from her real-life basketball experience. Notably, the plot for “Jess and Pearl” explores the lives of two young hoopers whose friendship is tested by “fame, competition, and the business of college athletics”. 

And, that’s exactly why PB seems to fit the role like a glove. Not to forget that she already has a little on-screen experience. She recently appeared alongside Coach Geno Auriemma in an episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. So yes, she’s already faced some tough critics, just of a different kind.

With this move, Bueckers joins a growing list of UConn stars who’ve hit the big screen. Notably, Diana Taurasi voiced her animated alter ego “White Mamba” in Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), while Emeka Okafor appeared in Adam Sandler’s Hustle (2022). And while neither Apple nor Paige has officially commented on the report, fans are already buzzing about the casting and the storyline.

When it’s Paige Bueckers, who’s stopping the hype?

Within hours of the report’s release, fans dived right into the comment section to share excitement and build speculation. As one user put it best, “CAN’T WAIT.” And yes, the anticipation is real. The list of names attached to it makes it even more intriguing. While the plot is written by former Scandal writer Zahir McGhee, the movie will also be produced by David Bernad’s company, Middle Child Pictures, along with Lindsay Kagawa Colas and Tommy Alter. 

“So an adaptation of her and Azzi?” penned a netizen. Well, yes, when you join the dots, it does make a little sense. Paige Bueckers first met Azzi Fudd in 2017, when both were vying for a U16 National Team spot. Back then, Azzi’s perception of PB was, “This white girl got nothing on me, I don’t need to worry about her.” So yes, it all began as a rivalry but soon turned into a friendship, with PB leading the way. And now, they’re in a beautiful relationship. However, fans aren’t just talking about the story. They’re eager to learn about PB’s co-actor too.

“I wonder who could possibly co-star given how oddly coincidental that logline is to a story I can’t quite put my finger on?” penned a spectator. “Two of them u say,” added another. Well, that’s a major twist, as the plot involves two phenoms, and we only know about one. So, fans couldn’t help but name another basketball star and PB’s friend who has acting skills. And yes, you guessed it right-we’re talking about Angel Reese. The Chicago Sky star was recently featured in A House of Dynamite on Netflix. Though she had a small role, she intends to continue acting.

“I was talking to Common-he’s overseas right now shooting season 2 of Silo-and he was telling me, ‘You got to hire an acting coach,’” she said at A House of Dynamite’s New York Film Festival premiere on September 28. Also, just yesterday, she announced via social media that she’s got something big incoming with Paige.

“Me and Paige [Bueckers] actually have something really big coming up together,” Angel Reese told her viewers during a TikTok live session. “Stay tuned.”  So, understandably, fans are speculating whether she’s the one. Though nothing has been confirmed yet. 

“The Angel Reese effect-she has definitely brought recognition that these women are more than sports figures, with talent that spreads beyond what WNBA players were allowed to do,” penned another user. After months, we finally heard that familiar phrase again: “The Angel Reese effect.” And it’s real.

Angel’s leading the way and slowly becoming an inspiration not just for young girls but also for WNBA stars. And, PB’s film feature isn’t the only example. Just a couple of days ago, the Chi-Town Barbie walked the runway for Victoria’s Secret as the first pro-athlete to debut for VS in history, and then it was Sophie who openly admitted to wanting to follow Reese’s path and getting her own wings. So yes, the Bayou Barbie isn’t just growing on the court but off of it too-and the entire W community is following!