Moviefone Editorial

Tag: space-jam

  • ‘Space Jam 2’ Replaces Director With ‘Girls Trip’ Helmer Malcolm D. Lee

    ‘Space Jam 2’ Replaces Director With ‘Girls Trip’ Helmer Malcolm D. Lee

    Warner Bros.

    There’s been a last-minute change in the “Space Jam 2” locker room, with the long-awaited sequel subbing out its director.

    Deadline reports that the flick has replaced original helmer Terence Nance (“Random Acts of Flyness,” “The Oversimplification of Her Beauty”) with Malcolm D. Lee (“Girls Trip,” “Night School”), apparently over creative differences. According to the trade, the split was “amicable,” with Nance not seeing eye to eye on the film’s vision with studio Warner Bros. and producer SpringHill Entertainment (which is run by NBA superstar LeBron James, who spearheaded the sequel, and who’s also starring).

    With Lee now on board, it seems that “Space Jam 2” is very much leaning into a comedic vibe, which makes sense, since the animated Looney Tunes characters will be co-starring, just as they did in the original 1996 flick. Though not much is known about the plot just yet, the follow-up reportedly revolves heavily around a family, made up of James, Sonequa Martin-Green (playing his wife), and a teen character; Don Cheadle was also recently cast in a mystery role.

    Other NBA and WNBA players who have reportedly signed on to appear include: Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis, Portland Trailblazers’ Damian Lillard, Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson, Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi, and Los Angeles Sparks’ siblings Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike.

    “Black Panther” writer-director Ryan Coogler is producing, and co-wrote the screenplay with Sev Ohanian (“Searching”). “Space Jam 2” is currently slated to tip off in theaters on July 16, 2021.

    [via: Deadline]

  • Don Cheadle Joins ‘Space Jam 2’

    Don Cheadle Joins ‘Space Jam 2’

    Marvel

    Don Cheadle is leaving behind his War Machine suit to jump on court with LeBron James in “Space Jam 2.”

    Deadline reports that the “Avengers: Endgame” star has been cast in the sequel to the 1996 sports comedy, which centered on Michael Jordan. The follow-up will feature James and other current NBA stars opposite Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters.

    “Space Jam 2” will reportedly revolve less around a Dream Team of NBA players and focus more on a family arc for James. “Star Trek: Discovery’s” Sonequa Martin-Green is playing his wife, while the film is still casting for James’ best friend and a key male teen character.

    No details have been revealed about Cheadle’s role.

    ESPN reported that James will be joined by his new Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, Portland Trailblazers’ Damian Lillard, and Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson. Also on board are Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi and Los Angeles Sparks’ siblings Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike.

    Cheadle most recently appeared in “Endgame” and in Showtime’s Wall Street comedy “Black Monday,” which was renewed for a second season.

  • ‘Space Jam 2’ Begins Filming, LeBron James Says It’s ‘So Surreal’

    ‘Space Jam 2’ Begins Filming, LeBron James Says It’s ‘So Surreal’

    Universal

    “Space Jam 2” has started filming, which star and executive producer LeBron James calls “craziness.”

    The sequel is a follow-up to the 1996 sports comedy, which centered on Michael Jordan. Now, James and other current NBA stars will appear opposite Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters.

    James marked the momentous occasion on Twitter:

    “Space Jam 2” will reportedly revolve less around a Dream Team of NBA players and focus more on a family arc for James. “Star Trek: Discovery’s” Sonequa Martin-Green is playing his wife, while the film is still casting for James’ best friend and a key male teen character.

    ESPN reported that James will be joined by his new Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, Portland Trailblazers’ Damian Lillard, and Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson. Also on board are  Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi and Los Angeles Sparks’ siblings Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike.

    “Space Jam 2” is slated to open in theaters on July 16, 2021.

  • LeBron James’ ‘Space Jam 2’ Is Having Trouble Recruiting Other Basketball Stars Because of Sneakers

    LeBron James’ ‘Space Jam 2’ Is Having Trouble Recruiting Other Basketball Stars Because of Sneakers

    Universal

    Maybe it’s just not LeBron James’ year.

    Not only did the basketball star miss the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2005, he’s also experiencing woes in his quest for Hollywood dominance.

    James is producing and starring “Space Jam 2,” the follow-up to 1996 sports comedy centered on Michael Jordan.

    Last week, ESPN reported that James was having a difficult time recruiting other NBA players to join him in “Space Jam 2.” But according to The Hollywood Reporter, casting is under Warner Bros.’ purview and the issue is more about … sneakers.

    As THR notes, “Nike is essential to the Space Jam franchise.” That makes it extremely unlikely that any stars not signed with Nike will appear in the movie — including Stephen Curry (Under Armour) and James Harden (Adidas).

    And even other Nike stars, like Kevin Durant, have other Hollywood projects of their own to shepherd.

    “Space Jam 2” will reportedly revolve less around a Dream Team of NBA players and focus more on a family arc for James. “Star Trek: Discovery’s” Sonequa Martin-Green is playing his wife, while the film is still casting for James’ best friend and a key male teen character.

  • ‘Friday the 13th’ Reboot May Be Coming … From LeBron James

    ‘Friday the 13th’ Reboot May Be Coming … From LeBron James

    Friday the 13th Jason mask
    Paramount Pictures

    LeBron James is turning into a Hollywood powerhouse.

    He was a scene-stealer in “Trainwreck.” He was just announced to star in and produce the “Space Jam” sequel. He hyped “Ozark” for Netflix. And now he’s in talks to produce a “Friday the 13th” reboot.

    If he keeps this up, it’s going to set a new precedent for athletes: Soon Tom Brady will call his agent pushing for the “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” job.

    Bloody Disgusting reports that LeBron James and his Springhill Entertainment are in talks with Vertigo Entertainment for this “Friday the 13th” reboot. Apparently LeBron is a huge horror fan, and BD even dug up one of his old tweets on the franchise:

    However, it appears to be early days on the talks, and there may be some legal snags to get through.

    According to Screen Rant, the franchise has stalled since the 2009 reboot, due in large part to legal issues concerning distribution rights. Victor Miller — who wrote the script for the first “Friday the 13th” movie in 1980, creating the character of Jason Voorhees — just won a legal battle against producers Horror, Inc. That gives Miller the rights, for now, although the producers are appealing the latest judgment.

    There have been 12 films in the franchise so far, from 1980 to 2009, along with a TV show, games, and merchandising — including Jason’s mask, which has been a Halloween costume favorite for decades.

    Interestingly enough, Blumhouse chief Jason Blum has also mentioned wanting to do a “Friday the 13th” movie. He just had a massive success bringing back “Halloween,” so — no offense to LeBron James — if it came down to LeBron vs. Blumhouse, we’d go with the proven track record. But it’s not going to come down to us.

    Stay tuned for any developments on Jason’s latest slasher.

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  • ‘Black Panther’s Ryan Coogler to Produce ‘Space Jam 2’ Starring LeBron James

    ‘Black Panther’s Ryan Coogler to Produce ‘Space Jam 2’ Starring LeBron James

    Marvel/Universal

    “Space Jam” forever!

    The long-anticipated follow-up to the 1996 movie starring basketball legend Michael Jordan is coming together, with “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler joining as a producer.

    LeBron James will star and produce via his Springhill Entertainment company. The basketball champion told The Hollywood Reporter that he loved Coogler’s vision for “Black Panther.”

    As a kid growing up in Akron, Ohio, there were no black superheroes to idolize. “So for Ryan to be able to bring that to kids, it’s amazing,” James said.

    Rumors of a “Space Jam” sequel have been floating around Hollywood for years, ever since Springhill signed a deal with Warner Bros. At one point, “Fast and Furious” director Justin Lin’s name was attached.

    But it seems James is focusing on his entertainment projects. Springhill recently entered in development partnerships with NBC and The CW.

    With Coogler on board, the sequel now has a hitmaker who has shepherded not only “Black Panther” ($1.3 billion worldwide) but directed “Creed” and produced the upcoming “Creed II.”

    The first “Space Jam” earned $250 million worldwide and remains the highest-grossing basketball movie of all time. Of course, Jordan was at his peak in athletic prowess and celebrity, just as James is now. This will be the latter’s first movie role since he memorably appeared opposite Amy Schumer and Bill Hader in “Trainwreck.”

    “The Space Jam collaboration is so much more than just me and the Looney Tunes getting together and doing this movie,”  James said.

    “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.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn6y1Z-gf-6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • 14 ’90s Movies That Don’t Really Hold Up

    14 ’90s Movies That Don’t Really Hold Up

  • Wile E. Coyote Is Getting His Own Movie in ‘Coyote Vs. Acme’

    Wile E. Coyote Is Getting His Own Movie in ‘Coyote Vs. Acme’

    Looney Tunes: Back in Action
    Warner Bros.

    Beep beep, buddy!

    According to Deadline, Looney Tunes evil “genius” Wile E. Coyote is getting his own movie. Jon and Josh Silberman (“Bordertown,” “Living Biblically,” “Deadbeat”) are writing “Coyote Vs. Acme,” with Chris McKay (“The Lego Batman Movie”) producing.

    There’s no word in Deadline’s piece on whether “Coyote Vs. Acme” is connected to Ian Frazier’s collection of humor essays. The title of that collection is “Coyote V Acme,” which is also the name of one of the essays, which imagines the opening statement of an attorney representing Wile E. Coyote in a liability suit against the Acme corporation.

    The Deadline report referenced previous Looney Tunes movies — “Space Jam” (1996) and “Looney Tunes: Back in Action” (2003) — and we shouldn’t forget “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988).

    According to Variety, this Wile E. Coyote movie will be animated. So perhaps it will skip the past films’ mix of live-action and animation.

    However it turns out, once the Warner Bros. film’s script is written, the Road Runner will probably walk away the winner. Again.

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  • 11 Things You Never Knew About ‘Space Jam’

    Need more proof that the ’90s were a crazy/awesome time for movies? We’d like to submit to evidence “Space Jam.”

    It’s been 20 years since Warner Bros. released the film, a documentary chronicling the time Michael Jordan spent his first NBA retirement teaming up with Bugs Bunny and the other Looney Tunes to defeat a group of super-powered aliens in a high-stakes game of basketball. Because a-doy!

    To celebrate that anniversary, and to fill the wait until the long-awaited remake finally materializes, here are 11 interesting facts you might not know about this ’90s classic.
    1. For whatever reason, Warner Bros. continues to maintain the official “Space Jam” website 20 years later. You can check it out here if you’re in the mood for some vintage, mid-’90s html work.

    2. Early in the film, there’s a shot of Moron Mountain in outer space with a strange, black rectangle in the corner of the screen. That rectangle is the alien monolith from “2001: A Space Odyssey.”3. When Bill Murray‘s character tells Daffy “the producer is a friend of mine,” he wasn’t lying. “Space Jam” was produced by Ivan Reitman, who’s probably best known for teaming with Murray on classic comedies like “Ghostbusters” and “Stripes.”
    4. Though they’re never actually mentioned in the film, all five Monstars have names of their own: Blanko (blue), Bupkis (purple), Bang (green), Nawt (red) and Pound (orange).

    5. Perhaps the biggest winner in the whole “Space Jam” enterprise was singer R. Kelly. He wrote the Grammy-winning “I Believe I Can Fly” specifically for the film’s soundtrack. To date, it remains his biggest hit single.6. Legendary animator Chuck Jones may have helped shape the Looney Tunes franchise, but he was critical of “Space Jam” after release. Among other complaints, Jones said that he felt Bugs should have solved his feud with the Monstars himself, rather than recruiting others to his cause.

    7. While Jordan played himself in the movie, his wife, Juanita, and their three children were portrayed by actors. Apparently, not everyone in the Jordan family is eager to be on camera.8. The Monstars’ career pretty much ended after “Space Jam,” but they did briefly return in 1998 via a cameo appearance in the “Pinky & the Brain” episode, “Star Warriors.”

    9. “Space Jam” actually served as a reunion for His Airness and Mr. Bunny. The two appeared in a series of Nike commercials, where they joined forces against Marvin the Martian and his basketball-playing alien allies.10. With “Space Jam” being such a box office success, it should come as no surprise that Warner Bros. has been trying to craft sequels and/or a remake for years. It sounds like “Space Jam” reboot/remake is finally in the works, with LeBron James apparently taking over for Jordan.

    11. Warners had some ambitious franchise plans for the film. At one point, Jackie Chan was slated to star in “Spy Jam” (with that project eventually morphing into 2003’s “Looney Tunes: Back in Action”), and NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon was rumored for “Race Jam.”
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  • Justin Lin to Direct LeBron James in ‘Space Jam 2’: Report

    88th Birthday Of TLC Chinese Theater IMAX, Honoring Justin Lin, Zhao Wei And Huang Xiaoming with Iconic Imprint Ceremony"The long-awaited sequel to ’90s flick “Space Jam” is one step closer to becoming a reality: Justin Lin is reportedly in talks to direct the follow-up.

    The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop, writing that the director — who’ll next hit the big screen with “Star Trek Beyond” — is currently in negotiations to helm “Space Jam 2,” which will star NBA superstar LeBron James. And Lin reportedly comes as a package deal with writer Andrew Dodge, with whom the director is currently working on an untitled comedy screenplay and an upcoming HBO project.

    Securing both a writer and director is good news for the flick, which has been churning through the rumor mill for a number of years (the first film hit theaters way back in 1996). James fanned the flames last summer when his production company signed a development deal with “Space Jam” studio Warner Bros. — whose classic cartoon characters, including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, featured prominently in the original flick — and later confirmed his interest in the project. Now, it seems like it’s full steam ahead for the feature.

    There’s still no word yet on if this flick will be a direct sequel or a reboot of the “Space Jam” concept, which centered around the Looney Tunes battling evil aliens on the basketball court alongside legends like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Larry Bird. James would take over for Jordan this time around in the lead role, though we’d expect Jordan to at least make a cameo of some kind in the sequel. No other current NBA stars have entered the mix just yet.

    Stay tuned to see who else joins the “Space Jam 2” team.

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter]

    Photo credit: Getty Images for SUN SEVEN STARS

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