News Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)

Doctor Omega

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“Discovery” Star Joins “Space Jam” Sequel


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“Star Trek: Discovery” and “The Walking Dead” star Sonequa Martin-Green is in talks to join LeBron James in the “Space Jam” sequel at Warner Bros. Pictures.


In the original, Michael Jordan teamed up with Looney Tunes characters to battle a group of animated aliens on the court. It went on to gross $230 million worldwide. The new film sees Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes will now team with James on the court to battle an unknown entity.

Martin-Green will play James’ wife in the project. Ryan Coogler (“Black Panther”) will produce and Terence Nance (“Random Acts of Flyness”) will direct. Filming begins this Summer for a July 16th 2021 release.
 

Doctor Omega

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LeBron Struggles To Secure “Space Jam 2” Stars?


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The human element of the proposed “Space Jam” sequel is proving to be more of a problem than the animated one.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports that the film’s star and executive producer LeBron James has been struggling to secure cameos from basketball’s top players and “hasn’t been able to close some of those deals”.

The original 1996 film saw Michael Jordan joined by the likes of Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Larry Johnson, Shawn Bradley and Patrick Ewing.

Hoops Hype’s Bryan Kalbrosky adds to this, claiming the issue may come down to one of pay – even as insiders stress the weekly rate is actually quite high for a cameo role.

Ryan Coogler produces while Terence Nance directs the project which is headed for a summer shoot ahead of a July 16th 2021 release.
 

Doctor Omega

Member: Rank 10
Ryan Coogler Rewrites “Space Jam” Sequel


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“Creed” and “Black Panther” writer/director Ryan Coogler and “Searching” writer/producer Sev Ohanian have come onboard the “Space Jam” sequel at Warner Bros. Pictures.


According to THR, the pair have been enlisted by the studio to pen the newest draft of the script. The news comes as reports emerged on the weekend that the film’s star LeBron James was having trouble recruiting fellow NBA stars for the project.

The trade says the truth is more complicated and far less to do with James’ ability than previously reported as the studio is the one responsible for recruiting other talents. The main roadblock though? Sneaker contracts.

Nike is essential to the “Space Jam” franchise, which means fellow All-Stars Stephen Curry, James Harden and Kevin Durant likely won’t join James due to their exclusivity contracts with rivals like Under Armour and Adidas. In Durant’s case, though he’s a key member of Team Nike, he’s pursuing his own projects including the Apple TV+ series “Swagger”.

The new film is said to be less reliant on fellow players, instead his own family arc is key with a yet-to-be-cast teen character named Dom as the second lead. “Star Trek: Discovery” star Sonequa Martin-Green has already been cast as James’ wife.

In addition, Oscar-nominated cinematographer Bradford Young (“Arrival,” “Solo,” “Selma”) will serve as director of photography. The film is reportedly still on track for a July start under the helm of Terence Nance.

James’ recent CBS competition TV series “Million Dollar Mile” was yanked from the schedule last week after just two episodes aired to poor ratings.
 
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