Why JoJo Siwa Backed Out of Will Smith’s Movie Bounce

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

JoJo Siwa is an 18-year old American celebrity, who already has experience as a dancer, singer, television and film star, author, and social media icon.

She was first known as a child for appearing on the hit reality TV show Dance Moms. After leaving the show, she quickly grew her personal brand and has become a global name.

For most of her career to date, JoJo Siwa has focused on the children’s market.

JoJo Siwa attended the 2022 GLAAD Awards with her good friend and Dancing With the Stars partner Jenna JohnsonJoJo Siwa attended the 2022 GLAAD Awards with her good friend and Dancing With the Stars partner Jenna Johnson (Credit: PAPIXS / INSTARimages)

Though it seems, as she gets older, so does her target audience.

She recently competed on season 30 of Dancing with the Stars, and after also recently coming out as pansexual, became the first celebrity on the show to dance with a same-sex partner.

JoJo Siwa at the 2022 GLAAD Media Awards

She recently attended the 2022 GLAAD Media Awards in Beverly Hills with said Dancing with the Stars partner, Jenna Johnson.

JoJo Siwa sparkled in a lace jumpsuit at the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media AwardsJoJo Siwa sparkled in a lace jumpsuit at the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards held at The Beverly Hilton on April 2, 2022, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: PAPIXS / INSTARimages)

At the awards, JoJo Siwa wore a sheer black lace jumpsuit with defined shoulders and tapered legs. Underneath the jumpsuit, she lets a sparkly rainbow bandeau peek out.

To further show her support for the LGBTQIA+ community, she put on temporary wrist tattoos of rainbow hearts.

Who Is Will Smith?

Will Smith is a 53-year old American actor, rapper, and producer. He first became known for his career as a rapper, however, he cemented himself as an A-list celebrity for his role on the TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

When the first episode of the iconic American television sitcom aired on September 10, 1990, he was 21 years old. Will Smith celebrated his 22nd birthday on September 25, 1990.

He has since appeared in numerous blockbuster movies and released several music albums. He has had two previous Oscar nominations for his roles in the movies Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness.

Will Smith was 21 years old when he made his debut on the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirWill Smith was 21 years old when he made his debut on the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Credit: NBC)

Most recently, in April 2022, Will Smith won his first official Oscar for his role in the film King Richard.

However, this win was dulled by the fact that it occurred the same night he slapped Chris Rock on stage after the comedian made a joke about Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Will Smith has since received a 10-year ban from the Academy Awards.

What is the Movie ‘Bounce’?

Bounce is an upcoming movie based on the young adult book by Megan Shull that you can buy on Amazon.

The book follows a seventh-grade girl, Frannie, who makes a wish that goes awry, and results in her constantly waking up in other people’s bodies. As in many young adult books, she makes many friends and learns many lessons throughout her journey.

JoJo Siwa confirmed she won't be starring in Will Smith's upcoming movie Bounce based on the book of the same name by Megan ShullJoJo Siwa confirmed she won’t be starring in Will Smith’s upcoming movie Bounce based on the book of the same name by Megan Shull (Credit: Xavier Collin/ Abaca / Instarimages)

Will Smith’s production company, Overbrook Entertainment, was supposed to produce the movie with Paramount Pictures, and JoJo Siwa was set to star in it.

Why Did JoJo Siwa Leave the Movie?

At the 2022 GLAAD Media Awards, JoJo Siwa officially confirmed that she was no longer involved in Bounce. Paramount Pictures has also officially dropped the movie.

JoJo Siwa in a pink midi-length Jenny Packham Spring 2022 dress and Christian Louboutin heels arrives for the People's Choice AwardsJoJo Siwa in a pink midi-length Jenny Packham Spring 2022 dress and Christian Louboutin heels arrives for the People’s Choice Awards on December 7, 2021, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)

However, JoJo Siwa was clear that the decision had been made months prior, and was not a result of Will Smith’s actions at the Academy Awards.

In the interview, she called for everyone to be kind to one another, likely hinting toward Will’s actions and the subsequent public response.

JoJo Siwa reveals her midriff in a daring outfit and Jimmy Choo heels at the 102.7 KIIS FM's Jingle Ball 2021JoJo Siwa reveals her midriff in a daring outfit and Jimmy Choo heels at the 102.7 KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2021 Presented By Capital One at The Forum on December 03, 2021, in Inglewood, California (Credit: Xavier Collin/ Abaca / Instarimages)

Naomie Harris certainly knows how to draw attention with her sartorial choices. In December 2016, she attended the world premiere of her movie, “Collateral Beauty.”

Naomie Harris looked stunning in a Rosie Assoulin floral print strapless dressNaomie Harris looked stunning in a Rosie Assoulin floral print strapless dress (Credit: WENN)

The then 40-year-old actress posed up a storm on the red carpet with her co-star Will Smith.

All eyes were on the Pirates of the Caribbean star as she turned heads in a vibrant floral dress from Rosie Assoulin’s Spring 2017 collection.

Will Smith as Howard Inlet and Naomie Harris as Madeleine in the 2016 American fantasy drama film Collateral BeautyWill Smith as Howard Inlet and Naomie Harris as Madeleine in the 2016 American fantasy drama film Collateral Beauty (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2016, she revealed that Will Smith invited himself over for dinner at her house.

“Will Smith heard all about it and was like ‘I want in on that’,” she revealed about her Collateral Beauty co-star. “My family had arrived on set and he was like ‘I’m inviting myself to dinner, I’m coming over tomorrow night’.”

Naomie Harris and Will Smith at the "Collateral Beauty" New York PremiereNaomie Harris and Will Smith at the “Collateral Beauty” New York Premiere held at the Lincoln Center in New York City on December 12, 2016 (Credit: C.Smith / Andres Otero / WENN)

She was radiant in the brightly colored strapless frock, which accentuated her toned figure. It featured floral prints, a cinched waist, side pockets, and a flattering mid-length hem.

Naomie Harris coordinated with Irene Neuwirth's fire opal drop earringsNaomie Harris coordinated with Irene Neuwirth’s fire opal drop earrings (Credit: WENN)

Naomie kept everything else simple. She styled the look with just a pair of earrings and a ring and carried a metallic gold clutch.

Naomie Harris styled her Rosie Assoulin dress with an Amanda Pearl clutchNaomie Harris styled her Rosie Assoulin dress with an Amanda Pearl clutch (Credit: WENN)

Her sleek tresses were worn straight, while her makeup, which featured blue eyeshadow and nude lipstick, highlighted her features.

Naomie Harris rocks bright yellow Rupert Sanderson Elba high heel pumpsNaomie Harris rocks bright yellow Rupert Sanderson Elba high heel pumps (Credit: WENN)

Naomie amped up her colorful look with a pair of yellow pumps by Rupert Sanderson.

Available at Farfetch, these pumps are minimally designed with pointed toes and about four-inch heels.

Naomie Harris shows off her feet in Rupert Sanderson pumpsNaomie Harris shows off her feet in Rupert Sanderson pumps (Credit: WENN)