LeBron James To Star In 'Space Jam' Sequel

LeBron James is set to star in the new Space Jam movie. It will be produced by Ryan Coogler and directed by Terence Nance.

The basketball player's California-based media group, SpringHill Entertainment, has verified details of the new follow-up to the 1996 basketball film, the highest grossing basketball movie of all time, starring Michael Jordan. In the sequel, James will be starring as a small forward and Bugs Bunny will be the team's point guard.

The studio has also confirmed that Black Panther director will serve as the film's producer. Notably, James has said that he adored the director's vision for his Marvel film. The basketball star noted that when he was growing up, he did not know any African-American superheroes.

Additionally, the movie's director, Nance, was responsible for HBO tv series, Random Acts of Flyness.

New 'Space Jam' Movie

"The Space Jam collaboration is so much more than just me and the Looney Tunes getting together and doing this movie," James stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

"It's so much bigger. I'd just love for kids to understand how empowered they can feel and how empowered they can be if they don't just give up on their dreams. And I think Ryan did that for a lot of people."

James, who is an Olympic gold medal winner and has won NBA's MVP award four times, has also appeared in famous comedian Amy Schumer's movie, Trainwreck. Despite his fans rejoicing about him being onboard the partially animated flick, some are still leaning toward Kobe Bryant.

The movie will start its production sometime during the NBA off-season next year. The studio also hinted in an Instagram post that the movie might be released on Jan 23, 2021.

Currently, James is signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for four years. He is under contract for $154 million in free agency.

Original Space Jam

When Space Jam's 20^th anniversary was celebrated two years ago, it was obvious that its website has not been touched for years. It still has its same retro and sparkly design.

The iconic movie raked in an astounding amount of $231 million internationally. Furthermore, it catapulted R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" into number 1 spot.

Apart from Michael Jordan, the original movie also starred Wayne Knight and Billy West. It also featured guest stars such as Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, and Larry Bird. Since the first movie was filled with NBA players and Warner Bros.Looney Toons characters, fans are expecting the same from the upcoming movie.