Space Jam 2 Will Team LeBron James With the Looney Tunes Crew

Despite the lack of a press release on the official Space Jamwebsite, Deadline is reporting that the inexplicably 18 year old live-action/animated film Space Jamis on course for a sequel from brothers Charlie and Willie Ebersol. The catch? So far, Michael Jordan’s name is nowhere to be seen with present-day NBA superstar LeBron James set to take on the starring role beside a collection of Looney Tunes, but probably not the Animaniacs because we’re not allowed to have nice things.

For James, this marks just the latest in a string of Hollywoodland ventures, with the four time NBA MVP previously appearing on-screen as the villain in ESPN’s The Decision and as himself in an episode of Entourage. James’ highest profile work in the entertainment industry has come behind the scenes with The LeBrons, a CG-animated web series for the little ones that James created, and Survivor’s Remorse, a live-action basketball half hour series from Mike O’Malley that James is co-producing for Starz. With the recently announced film Ballers, James will serve as both an executive producer and co-star beside comedian Kevin Hart.

Might Hart make an appearance in Space Jam 2 beside his new BFF, perhaps offering up a bit of comedy relief ala Bill Murray in the original? Anything is possible, but if we’re really goona speculate about who or what could be in this film, let ask the big question: will Michael Jordan return in a supporting capacity to pass on the torch or to even get in on the action? Presently, his Airness is the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, but while that all sounds very stuffy, the NBA Hall of Famer actually had to shoot down rumors that he was mulling a comeback at age 50 last year, so it’s not like MJ couldn’t pull-up for a fadeaway or two against the Monstars if called to service.

Without Jordan, a lot of pressure really does fall on James’ shoulders. A mega-star and quite possibly the most recognizable athlete in the world right now, James is still nowhere near the global icon that Jordan was when he made the first Space Jam, and for that matter, neither are the Looney Tunes.

Don’t get me wrong, people still have a soft spot for Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig, but in the time since Space Jam pulled in $230 million, Looney Tunes: Back in Action bombed horrifically and the brand endured criticism for its switch to CG animation and the character re-designs that came with that switch (changes that will hopefully be reversed for this film).

The Looney Tunes Show, a CG half hour show on Cartoon Network that ended last year generated good ratings in its 3 seasons, but in a sector dominated by countless other animated shows, Daffy Duck is just another cartoon character to a lot of kids.

The decision to do a soft-reintroduction of these characters by resurrecting a project that can appeal to both children and their nostalgia drunk parents seems smart on the outside, but as is always the case, the devil is in the details and the results are the only thing that matters.

We’ll keep an eye out for more info on this project, but until then, let us know if you’re excited to see another Space Jam film in the comments section.

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