Space Jam 2 set for a Summer 2021 release

Space Jam
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 21: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a game against the Houston Rockets on February 21, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

On the same night the Los Angeles Lakers were able to salvage a victory against the Houston Rockets, the release date to Space Jam 2 was revealed. The follow up to the 1996 movie starring Michael Jordan will star LeBron James, and be produced by his production company, SpringHill Entertainment. The film will be coming out July 16, 2021 with the movie set to begin filming this July (or earlier if the Lakers do not make the playoffs).

With little to no details of Space Jam 2, whether it’s going to be its own film independent of Michael Jordan’s, or if it will be a follow up, I decided to cast the rest of the film as if this has any sort of say.
But, I can tell you this: LeBron James is a genuinely funny actor. If the short amount of time in the trainwreck of a movie “Trainwreck” was an indication of anything, he can act well and he was pretty hilarious. His per 90-minute numbers were phenomenal.
He and Bill Hader had to carry Amy Schumer more than LeBron had to carry the 2015 Cavaliers. Did I compare Amy Schumer to Timofey Mozgov?
No.
I would never do something that mean to Timofey.
I can guarantee you that this movie will be better than the original Space Jam. The debate about whether Michael Jordan or LeBron James is the superior basketball player can rage on (it’s LeBron), but the debate on whether or not one is the better actor? Hands down it’s LeBron. LeBron wouldn’t need a million takes to read out Gatorade’s slogan. Michael Jordan needed Wayne Knight and Bill Murray to inject some personality into the movie because we know that at that time, his real passion was fake liking baseball and gambling too much.

LeBron James’ Assistant 

Now, I had some issues with trying to cast this one. I didn’t want someone who would take away the spotlight from LeBron when they were sharing the screen, but someone who would complement LeBron but be able to shine when they have scenes apart. That’s like getting LeBron on your team and then signing a bunch of ball handlers to take the ball out of his hands. Who would do that?

I’d cast William Jackson Harper. A relatively newer actor who has been starring in NBC’s “The Good Place”, I think he’d have his chance to show what he’s got. The way he plays Chidi Anagonye could translate to how Wayne Knight played the role next to MJ.

NBA Stars

In the original Space Jam, the NBA stars that had their powers taken away were Muggsy Bogues, Shawn Bradley, Larry Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Patrick Ewing. The players I decided to cast here would be based on on-screen personality as well as interactions with LeBron. Larry Bird was present in the original as Michael Jordan’s friend enjoying their retirement together. I would have Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade as LeBron’s friends before LeBron meets the Looney Tunes. Maybe they could be in California at a vineyard enjoying wine, or referencing the Banana Boat in some sort of humorous way.

Anyway here are the players I would have their powers taken by the Monstars:

  • Blake Griffin: Blake would’ve been perfect for the lead role if LeBron wasn’t starring in this. He’s incredibly funny and has done comedy during offseasons when he was still with the Clippers. There have been multiple times that he’s spoken about how he wants to get into comedy in one shape or form, and he’s also a very capable actor, making his big screen debut in 2018’s “The Female Brain”. He’s stated that he wanted to be involved in a follow up to Space Jam, and Michael Jordan endorsed Griffin to star in the past.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo: Giannis is great as well. I feel like with his personality and what he’s shown in his Instagram live videos and even commercials. His interaction with LeBron during the All-Star draft was hilarious and I believe that them sharing screen time together would be a lot of fun to watch.
  • Candace Parker: I was going to have to include a CP3 on this list and I’m going to pick the best CP3 that played for the city of Los Angeles. It’d be cool if some WNBA players got some shine so I had to include her here.
  • Dirk Nowitzki: We need a taller white guy that has gotten dunked on a ton of times in his career. Cody Zeller was also considered for this role, but I feel like Dirk’s deadpan humor would be great here. The only other time he’s been in a movie was Like Mike back in 2002 and seeing him interact with the Miami Big 3 could potentially be funny.
  • Kawhi Leonard: Future Laker. HEB commercials. Also this.

Michael Jordan

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say Michael Jordan became the villain. Something along the lines that he became corrupted and his late 1990’s form was taken over by Danny Devito’s character from the last movie or something like that. It’s the only reason that he’s still wearing JNCO jeans and has sleeves on his suits that are somehow bootcut. Maybe Michael Jordan needs to be saved? Kind of like how he needed Pippen to get out of the second round of the playoffs?

I’m looking forward to what LeBron and SpringHill can do with the movie and hoping it’s something that future generations can enjoy instead of the dreadful original movie.

Author: Kendrew

The Filipino guy

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