Mmmmmm'yeah, what's up, Doc? What's up is that we've got some significant movement on the long-gestating and anticipated sequel to the 1996 live-action animated sports comedy SPACE JAM. I can't believe I'm about to type this, but a recent report from THR states that NBA All-Star LeBron James has drafted BLACK PANTHER and FRUITVALE STATION helmer Ryan Coogler as the producer of the Looney Tunes movie sequel. Wild, right? I kind of feel like that dude in the Maxell commercial right now.
While Coogler is now set to produce, it has also been confirmed that RANDOM ACTS OF FLYNESS and SWIMMING IN YOUR SKIN AGAIN helmer Terence Nance has been chosen to direct. Meanwhile, LeBron James himself will be taking time off the court to star alongside such notable Merry Melodies alum as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, in additon to countless others.
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“I loved his vision” said James of Coogler's superhero blockbuster BLACK PANTHER. James also noted that when he was growing up, kids like him didn't have black superheroes. "So for Ryan to be able to bring that to kids, it’s amazing.” Indeed it is, as the overwhelming success of BLACK PANTHER is likely to open the door for heroes of all colors, creeds and otherworldly origins.
As you're likely to know, a SPACE JAM sequel has been in the works for like, ever. The original film starring B-Ball superstar Michael Jordan grossed roughly $250 million in worldwide receipts, making it the most successful basketball-related film of all time. In addition to starring a vast array of Looney Tunes characters, SPACE JAM also featured performances from Wayne Knight (JURASSIC PARK, SEINFELD), Theresa Randle (BAD BOYS, SPAWN) and the ever-out-of-place Bill Murray (GROUNDHOG DAY, GHOSTBUSTERS).
“The Space Jam collaboration is so much more than just me and the Looney Tunes getting together and doing this movie,” says James, “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.”
Who among the NBA elite do you think will join James for the SPACE JAM sequel? Does having Ryan Coogler on board lend this project some newfound credibility? Are you hoping that Lola Bunny will make a return to the court? I suppose we'll have to wait and see, though it sure feels great to know that this long-awaited project is in very capable hands. That's all for now, folks, but stay tuned as more news is bound to hit the court.
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