JoJo Reveals Filming Aquamarine Triggered Body Insecurities

Former child star Joanna “JoJo” Levesque has reflected on her experiences while filming the cult classic Aquamarine, revealing that the process “brought out some insecurities in me.” In a recent episode of The Viall Files podcast, JoJo shared her feelings about the film, which marked her first major movie role.

At the time of filming, JoJo portrayed the character of a tomboy. She candidly admitted, “I was not as skinny as the other girls. I felt really like —” mimicking a larger body with her elbows. This comparison to her co-stars impacted her self-image during production, making her acutely aware of her body in relation to others.

Image Courtesy: People

Despite not being a box office sensation, Aquamarine has gained a loyal following among millennials and younger viewers. Co-host Nick Viall noted that his wife, Natalie Joy, is particularly fond of the film, to which she agreed that “everyone’s obsessed with Aquamarine.” JoJo found this widespread admiration amusing, stating, “I hope that word isn’t offensive… but it’s just so funny because it’s, like, just such a silly movie.”

She added, “It’s such a moment. It’s like a little cult classic, low-key, for girls of our demographic.” 

JoJo acknowledged that growing up, many young girls, including herself, measured their worth against others, highlighting a common struggle with body image.

However, her time on set wasn’t entirely negative. JoJo expressed gratitude for the experience, stating that she “learned a lot” while filming in Australia. 

Aquamarine, which also starred Sara Paxton as a runaway mermaid and Emma Roberts, continues to resonate with fans, showcasing the enduring charm of this light-hearted fantasy.

-Sushmita Sarkar