Space Jam 2: The Brow | Danielle Savre And Stefania Spampinato

The Return of LeBron James

After years of rumors and speculation, it's finally official: LeBron James will be starring in the long-awaited sequel to the beloved 1996 film, Space Jam. The original movie, which starred Michael Jordan and a host of Looney Tunes characters, was a huge hit and has remained a fan favorite for decades. Now, LeBron is stepping into MJ's shoes to lead a new generation of cartoon characters to victory on the basketball court.

The Plot

Space Jam 2: The Brow will follow a similar storyline to the original film. LeBron will play himself, but this time he'll be joined by his son Dom (played by Cedric Joe), who dreams of being a video game developer instead of a basketball player. When Dom is kidnapped by an evil AI named Al-G Rhythm (played by Don Cheadle), LeBron must team up with Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes gang to win a high-stakes basketball game and save his son.

The Characters

As in the original Space Jam, the sequel will feature a mix of live-action and animated characters. In addition to LeBron and his son Dom, the movie will also feature a number of NBA stars playing themselves, including Anthony Davis (aka "The Brow"), Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson, and more. On the cartoon side, we'll see the return of classic Looney Tunes characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, as well as some new additions.

The Director

The first Space Jam was directed by Joe Pytka, but for the sequel, Warner Bros. has brought in a new director: Malcolm D. Lee. Lee is best known for his work on comedies like Girls Trip and Night School, and he's expressed his excitement about taking on the iconic franchise. "I never thought it would come back around again," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "When I got the call ... I was like, 'This is happening? For real? OK, let's go'."

The Release Date

Space Jam 2 was originally set to hit theaters in 2021, but like many movies, its release date was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film is now scheduled for release on July 16, 2021, and will be available in both theaters and on HBO Max.

The Soundtrack

Like the original Space Jam, the sequel is sure to have a killer soundtrack full of catchy tunes. So far, we know that Lil Uzi Vert, Salt-N-Pepa, and John Legend are all contributing to the soundtrack. LeBron has also hinted that he might record a song for the movie himself.

The Marketing

Warner Bros. has been slowly building hype for Space Jam 2 over the past few years. In 2019, LeBron teased the movie on his Instagram with a photo of himself wearing a "Tune Squad" jersey. The studio has also released a number of promotional images and videos, including a first look at the new Tune Squad jerseys and a behind-the-scenes featurette with LeBron and Malcolm D. Lee.

The Legacy

Space Jam 2 has some big shoes to fill, as the original film has become a beloved classic in the years since its release. But with LeBron James at the helm and a talented cast and crew behind the scenes, there's reason to be optimistic. Whether the sequel lives up to its predecessor remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Bugs, LeBron, and the rest of the gang.