Actress, singer, writer, producer and more, Bella Thorne stepped into porn direction at just 22 years old.
Originally, she was writing a script for a film she planned to star in. It started as a Christmas horror story, but gradually evolved into a more grounded and contemporary take on Romeo and Juliet.
In mid-August, Pornhub’s Vice President Corey Price proposed producing the project, which eventually became Her & Him.
“What inspired me to make the movie was exploring the dynamic between a man and a woman, that constant fight for dominance, and how that reflects broader power structures beyond sex.”
“If porn makes you uncomfortable, that’s okay. But don’t project that discomfort onto others who are fine with it.”
Bella was actively involved in casting, choosing Abella Danger and Small Hands as the film’s leads.
She later admitted that directing intimate scenes was challenging at times. Her goal was never to create a conventional porn film. Instead, she focused carefully on camera angles and storytelling, aiming for something closer to auteur cinema.
When questioned about this unexpected shift, her answer remained simple: she enjoys sex, like many people do, and the experience of making the film was genuinely positive.
“I saw people having sex, having fun, being happy. The opposite of what I experienced during my years at Disney.”
The film premiered at the Oldenburg Film Festival in September 2019.
From Disney Fame to Creative Control
Bella Thorne’s career began early. As a baby, she was already modeling for clothing ads. Over time, she built a presence through commercials and small roles in television and film.
Her breakthrough came with Shake It Up, where she starred alongside Zendaya. For the role, she had to learn dancing, and during the show’s three-year run, she also recorded several music projects.
She later transitioned into more mature roles, appearing in films like Amityville: The Awakening and The Babysitter.
At the same time, she embraced a more rebellious public image, openly discussing her bisexuality and her relationship with sexuality.
Breaking Silence and Taking Control
Behind the scenes, Bella’s life has included deeply difficult experiences. She revealed that she suffered sexual abuse throughout her childhood until the age of 14.
Sharing her story publicly marked a turning point, both personally and for her audience.
“I was sexually abused from the day I can remember until I was 14… I finally had the courage to lock my door at night and sit by it.”
Since then, she has used her platform to support survivors, encouraging them to speak up and seek help.
She has also supported organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Owning Her Narrative
In recent years, Bella has embraced a more natural image, stating she only wears makeup for events and doesn’t feel the need to present a polished version of herself online.
She also faced a hacking incident where private nude photos were stolen and used to blackmail her.
Instead of complying, she took control by releasing the images herself and publicly denouncing the situation, encouraging others not to give in to manipulation.
What Comes Next?
We’ll be watching closely to see where her creative path leads next.
One thing is clear: Bella Thorne doesn’t follow narratives. She rewrites them.
