JoJo Siwa’s Feature Film Debut ‘Bounce’ Cancelled, Will Smith Was Supposed to Produce
JoJo Siwa won’t be making her feature film debut as planned. The YouTube sensation and Dance Moms alum was supposed to star in the YA movie Bounce. But according to a new report, the project – which had Will Smith attached as a producer – has been shelved by Paramount, though not for reasons related to the infamous Oscar slap.
JoJo Siwa shares update on ‘Bounce’
Siwa spoke to Variety about the movie at the GLAAD Media Awards on April 2. She revealed that the film, which was to be based on Megan Shull’s YA novel Bounce, was no longer happening.
“That project got put on hold, and then went away,” she said. “It wasn’t the one.”
Susan Johnson, who directed the Netflix movie To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, was going to direct, according to an earlier Variety report. The story focused on a teen who has a chance to trade her family for another after her Christmas wish is granted.
Will Smith’s Oscar slap wasn’t to blame for the demise of ‘Bounce’
Jada Pinkett Smith’s brother Caleb Pinkett brought Bounce to Paramount, according to Variety. Smith and Pinkett Smith were also reportedly involved in the project, though in a supporting role. However, the decision not to move forward with Bounce apparently happened months ago and the project’s demise is not related to the incident between Smith and comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards.
Siwa shared her take on the slap with Variety.
“I normally stay out of all politics, it’s not my gig,” she said. “But, I will say that being kind to one another is very important. I think that can go both ways, kindness.”
JoJo Siwa previously expressed concerns about the ‘Bounce’ script
Siwa, who is pansexual, spoke about Bounce in a 2021 interview with Entertainment Weekly. At the time, she expressed concerns about a scene where she’d have to kiss a male character.
“I’m madly in love and I do not want to kiss another human,” she said. “Especially because it’s a man.”
“I’m not about it,” she added. “I’m trying to get it pulled so bad. It’ll happen. It’ll get pulled.”
Later, a source confirmed to Variety that the kissing scene had been removed from the script.
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