I didn’t know that I wanted a Space Jam sequel, but now that the idea’s been planted in my head, I refuse to let go. According to Deadline, Warner Bros. is on board for a follow-up to the 1996 feature-length shoe commercial hit family film — though some quibbles over casting have raised questions about what’s actually in the works.
Yesterday afternoon, Deadline reported that Space Jam 2 was definitely, seriously, writers-on-hand happening.
After he recovers from the injury suffered in last night’s game, NBA MVP LeBron James will be ready for his close-up — with Bugs Bunny. Broadcasting veteran Dick Ebersol‘s sons have come on board to develop the sequel to 1996 animated/live-action hit Space Jam as a starring vehicle for James, the studio confirmed.
Charlie Ebersol, who already has a good relationship with the NFL through his NFL Characters Unite series on USA Network, is about ready to do the same with the NBA. He has been brought on to the produce the picture through his production company, The Company, from a script by his brother Willie Ebersol. The latter won an Emmy for the London Olympics. This is his first screenplay.
However, James’ camp blocked that shot real quick, stating that James was not now, nor had he ever been, a Space Jam cast member.
Well it was fun while it lasted. LeBron sources refute Deadline report, there's no Space Jam 2 or Warner Bros. project in works
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) February 22, 2014
Hmm! What to make of this? Deadline’s a reliable source for Hollywood news, so it’d be surprising — though entirely possible — if some wires got crossed here. It may be that the project itself is legit, just perhaps without its intended star. That’s okay, there are plenty of other talented, hard-working athletes to choose from. Might I suggest a member of the WNBA?
To be perfectly honest, though, I have but one concern: if this movie really is a thing, Bill Murray’s coming back, right?
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