The 1996 flick "Space Jam" that stars Michael Jordan, acclaimed to be the greatest basketball player of all time, is up for a remake, and the NBA superstar LeBron James will lead its next installment, according to rumors. However, Warner Bros., which put out the first "Space Jam" remained mum about the speculations.
The speculation about LeBron leading "Space Jam 2" could be attributed to his partnership with Warner Bros. On Wednesday, Warner Bros. Entertainment announced a new TV-film-digital production deal with James, according to E! Online.
Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO, Kevin Tsujihara, in a statement released after the deal was closed, said, "LeBron James has one of the most powerful, well-known brands in the world and we are excited to be in business with him and his partner, Maverick Carter, and SpringHill Entertainment," Mashable has learned.
James co-founded SpringHill Entertainment with Maverick Carter. They have already produced television shows and web content. James expressed his desire to join the entertainment world. He was featured in the movie "Trainwreck" and his performance was praised. With regards to his partnership with Warner Bros., James said in a statement, "To be able to partner with Warner Bros. will allow me to do some things I've always dreamed of, " according to DeadSpin.
Moreover, a tweet from Alex Weprin associating LeBron's deal with Warner Bros. and the latter's filing of trademark for "Space Jam" fuelled the speculations that LeBron will lead the next "Space Jam" even more.
Warner Bros. filed new trademarks for "Space Jam" last month. Today announced deal with LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/WaZ33sXCsY
— Alex Weprin (@alexweprin) July 22, 2015
According to E! Online, over a year ago, there were reports suggesting that LeBron was Warner Bros.' No. 1 choice to lead "Space Jam 2". Back in 2013, LeBron also posted a tweet in response to a fan's question, hinting that producing the next "Space Jam" would be great and that he was thinking about it a lot.
"@wilduss: @KingJames have u ever think about make a movie like Space Jam? Could be great!"(Think about it a lot. Would be great!) — LeBron James (@KingJames) October 19, 2013
There is a mixed reaction with regards to the idea of LeBron leading "Space Jam 2". Some find it to be a good idea, but some believe that other basketball players should play the sequel, suggesting Bill Murray as one that fits for the role. Others tweeted Kobe or Curry will do.
I am quite excited about Space Jam 2 but it should have been Kobe instead of LeBron remaking it. But LeBron will do. — Von (@VonGarcon) July 22, 2015
Who else could play the role in space jam 2? I was thinking KD or Curry but with Curry you would have to have Riley. Davis cud be a Monstar — Anthony Sain (@SainAsylum) July 22, 2015
Some critics obviously do not agree with the idea of LeBron taking the lead for the next "Space Jam." Here are some of their reactions. One commented that it will be a "glorious disaster."
Space Jam 2 is going to be a glorious disaster. — Human individual (@JoeySplashwater) July 22, 2015
Another user believes that the next "Space Jam" will never compare to the first one.
If these Space Jam 2 rumors are true I'm gonna be kinda upset, it can never be as good as the 1st since the Looney Tunes defined the 90s — B(ryan) K(yle) (@BK_Lounge22) July 22, 2015
The first "Space Jam" has earned solid and positive reviews. When Universal Pictures released the film, it grossed $30 million in its opening weekend, according to Los Angeles Times
