Space Jam: A New Legacy (also known as Space Jam 2) is a 2021 American live-action/animated sports comedy film directed by Malcolm D. Lee. It will be a standalone sequel to the 1996 film Space Jam and stars NBA player LeBron James, as well as Don Cheadle and Sonequa Martin-Green. The film also features the Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny, Lola Bunny, and Daffy Duck. James also acts as a producer alongside Ryan Coogler. It is Warner Animation Group's ninth feature film.
Talks for a Space Jam sequel began after the first film's release but eventually fell through due to Michael Jordan's refusal to return. Several possible spin-offs, focusing on other athletes, including Jeff Gordon, Tiger Woods, and Tony Hawk, were also discussed but never came to fruition. A LeBron James-led sequel was officially announced in 2014, and after several years of languishing, filming began under Terence Nance in June 2019 around Los Angeles. After a few weeks into filming, Nance left the project; Lee was hired to replace him in July 2019. Production wrapped in September 2019.
Space Jam: A New Legacy was released in the United States on July 16, 2021, by Warner Bros. Pictures. It will mark the first theatrically released film to feature the Looney Tunes characters since the release of Looney Tunes: Back in Action in November 2003.
Plot[]
Basketball champion and global icon LeBron James wishes for both of his sons, Darius and Dom, to follow in his footsteps, but Dom, a child prodigy in computer software, instead dreams of becoming a video game developer. LeBron's wife, Kamiyah, advises him to respect Dom's wish. While showing an interest in Dom's game, Dom discovers a glitch in his character after performing a specific move which causes the character to be deleted, to his chagrin. Later, LeBron is invited with his family to the Warner Bros. studio and is offered to become a movie star, but LeBron dismisses the idea, while Dom shows an interest in the studio's software's, particularly its A.I., Al-G Rhythm. Dom expresses an interest in a future with Warner Bros, leading to an argument with his father over basketball camp where the two storm out. Al-G, who has secretly become self-aware and desires more recognition from the world, lures the two to the basement and traps them inside a virtual reality, where he takes Dom prisoner and orders LeBron to assemble a basketball team made from fictional characters owned by Warner Bros to challenge him to a game in a day's time, telling him that he will only be released if he wins, and sends him through the virtual space where he lands in Tune World. Meanwhile, Al-G accosts Dom and begins to turn him against his father by playing on his resentments and helping him develop and upgrade himself and his game, which he secretly intends to use against LeBron.
LeBron finds Tune World deserted save only for Bugs Bunny, who explains that Al-G persuaded the rest of the Looney Tunes to leave their world. Using a spaceship belonging to Marvin the Martian, LeBron and Bugs travel to different worlds based on Warner Bros properties such as DC Comics, Harry Potter, Mad Max, Austin Powers, Casablanca, The Matrix and Game of Thrones to locate and recruit the rest of the Looney Tunes, such as Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Roadrunner, Wile E. Coyote, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester, Yosemite Sam, Tasmanian Devil, Foghorn Leghorn, Gossamer, Granny, Speedy, Tweety Bird and Lola Bunny, into the Tune Squad. Over Bugs' objections, LeBron insists on coaching them on fundamental basketball. The Tune Squad meet with Al-G's team, the Goon Squad, comprised of upgraded avatars of professional basketball players with superpowers and led by Dom. To further the stakes, Al-G summons the entire Serververse to view the game and livestreams it, abducting countless viewers, including LeBron's family, into the virtual reality and says that if the Tune Squad lose, the viewers will remain there for eternity and the Looney Tunes will be deleted permanently.
The Goon Squad easily dominate the first half of the game, using their powers to overcome the Tune Squad to score extra points. During the break, Sylvester attempts to recruit Michael Jordan, who previously helped them beat the Monstars and Mr. Swackhammer years ago, but accidentally locates Michael B. Jordan instead. LeBron realizes his mistake and allows Bugs to devise the strategy for the second half, using their cartoon physics to catch up with the Goon Squad. During a respite, however, LeBron confronts Dom and tells him he no longer wants to stand in the way of his dream. Al-G takes over the Goon Squad and uses his own abilities to take control of the game. Dom suddenly discovers the only way to win the game is to use the move he previously showed LeBron, even though he will be deleted. However, during the final seconds of the game, Bugs performs the move, sacrificing himself and enabling Dom by throwing the extra jumper to LeBron, scoring the final point, winning the game, and posturizing Al-G, erasing him forever. The James family and the abducted citizens are returned to the real world, while in Tune World, Bugs bids farewell to his friends before he disappears.
In the real world, LeBron comes to see his family in a different light and supports Dom's decision to become a video game designer. A week lster, after dropping him off at E3, he is approached by Bugs, who actually survived due to being a Tune. They asked LeBron to put them up for a little while. LeBron agrees, but Bugs goes on to ask if he can invite the rest of the Looney Tunes over as well.
Cast[]
Live-Action[]
- LeBron James as himself, basketball champion James also voices himself in his animated form.
- Stephen Kankole as Young LeBron (13 years)
- Don Cheadle as Al-G Rhythm
- Cedric Joe as Dom James
- Sonequa Martin- Green as Kamiyah James
- Ceyir J Wright as Darius James
- Harper Leigh Alexander as Xosha James
Additionally, Ernie Johnson Jr. and Lil Rel Howrey appear as the game commentators. NBA Players Sue Bird, Draymond Green, and Kyle Kuzma as well as WNBA Player A'ja Wilson also appear. Steven Yeun and Sarah Silverman play Warner Bros. Executives, while Slink Johnson cameos as a Warner Bros. Security Guard.
While Michael Jordan does not appear in the film, he does make a photographic cameo on the original Space Jam's poster shown in Al-G. Rhythm's Warner 3000 pitch. He is also mentioned and teased to appear in the scene featuring actor Michael B. Jordan's cameo. Don Cheadle teased this gag prior to the film's release, stating, "Michael Jordan is in the movie, but not in the way that you would expect it." Bill Murray, who appeared in the original film, makes a photographic cameo playing golf alongside Bugs Bunny in the credits.
Voice Cast[]
- Jeff Bergman as Bugs Bunny, Sylvester, Yosemite Sam, Yogi Bear, and Fred Flintstone [3]
- Zendaya as Lola Bunny[1] (Zendaya replaces Kath Soucie as the voice of Lola Bunny)
- Eric Bauza as Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn (most scenes), and Marvin the Martian [4][5]
- Bob Bergen as Tweety[1]
- Fred Tatasciore as Tasmanian Devil
- Candi Milo as Granny[1] (Milo replaces June Foray as the voice of granny after Foray’s death in 2017)
- Gabriel Iglesias as Speedy Gonzales[1]
- Paul Julian (archive recordings) as the Road Runner
- Klay Thompson as WetFire[1]
- Anthony Davis as The Brow[1]
- Damian Lillard as Chronos[1]
- Diana Taurasi as White Mamba[1]
- Nneka Ogwumike as Arachnneka[1]
Production[]
Development[]
In February 2014, Warner Bros. officially announced development of a sequel that will star LeBron James. Charlie Ebersol was set to produce, while Willie Ebersol wrote the script.[1]
Future[]
Lee has expressed interest in making a third Space Jam film with Dwayne Johnson as the lead and focusing on wrestling instead of basketball.
In May 2014, James was quoted as saying, "I've always loved Space Jam. It was one of my favorite movies growing up. If I have the opportunity, it will be great."[2]
In July 2015, James and his film studio, SpringHill Entertainment, signed a deal with Warner Bros. for television, film and digital content after receiving positive reviews for his role in Trainwreck.[3]
In May 2016, Justin Lin signed onto the project as director, and co-screenwriter with Andrew Dodge and Alfredo Botello.[4]
In August 2018, Lin left the project, and Terence Nance was hired to direct the film.[5]
In September 2018, Ryan Coogler was announced as a producer for the film. SpringHill Entertainment released a promotional teaser image officially announcing the film, with production set to begin in 2019 during the NBA off-season.[6]
In November 2018, filming was to take place in California, within a 30 mile radius of Los Angeles. Prior to production, the film received $21.8 million in tax credits as a result of a new tax incentive program from the state. [7]
In February 2019, the film had a set release date of July 16, 2021.[8]
In June 2019, principal photography began.[9]
In July 2019, it was announced Nance was leaving the project because he and "the studio/producers had different takes on the creative vision for Space Jam 2", and that Malcolm D. Lee would serve as his replacement.[10]
In September 2019, production wrapped.[11]
In December 2019, Bradford Young, who was set to serve as cinematographer, also left the project and was replaced by Salvatore Totino.[12]
In January 2020, Veteran Walt Disney animator Tony Bancroft, known for his work on The Lion King and Mulan, started working at Warner Bros. Animation for the film. And Hans Zimmer was announced as the composer for the film. [13]
In March 2020, photos taken on set and a brief recording of the wrap party were leaked online, revealing that the film will feature characters from other Warner-owned properties. James also revealed that work on the film's animation has begun. He also said that production on the film has been largely unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as most of the work left on the film involves animation. And the Bancroft Brothers confirmed that Spike Brandt, a Warner Bros. Animation veteran and an animator on the original Space Jam, would be directing the animation. [14]
In April 2020, James officially revealed the title and logo of the movie, via Instagram, as Space Jam: A New Legacy. And Kris Bowers was announced as another composer for the film. He was later confirmed to be the only composer. [15]
In May 2020, according to voice actor Eric Bauza, the animation was still being worked on and he had voiced some temporary dialogue while neither confirming nor denying his involvement with the final product. Bauza also said that he does some scratch dialogue as the writers "punch up story lines and jokes". And Ole Loken, who worked on Klaus, confirmed that he was animating on the film. [16]
In August 2020, James held a farewell meeting talking about how he idolized with the first Space Jam film when he was a kid in Akron, Ohio, when the production wrapped, which was leaked, along with pictures of James with his #6 Tune Squad outfit. And Matt Williames, who has not worked with Warner Bros. since Looney Tunes: Back in Action, started doing animation for the movie.[17]
In September 2020, it was announced that Australian toy company Moose Toys made a deal with Warner Bros. to make merchandise for the film along with the 2021 live-action/animated Tom and Jerry hybrid film.[18]
In October 2020, the synopsis was leaked from a test screening email by Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts and Final Spacewriter Ben Mekler. And Loken shared the design for Lola Bunny on Twitter, confirming that the movie will stay true to designs of the Looney Tunes characters in the 1996 version. He also shared the design for Daffy Duck.[19]
In December 2020, it was announced that the film would be released on July 16, 2021 in theaters and HBO Max simultaneously.[20]
On March 7, 2021, it was announced Pepé Le Pew was removed from the film, so instead, Penelope Pussycat took over. Despite this, Penelope did not appear in the movie as a member of the Tune Squad, the reason as to why is unknown.
The first trailer for the movie was released on YouTube on April 3, 2021, revealing that Zendaya was cast as Lola Bunny.
On April 30, 2021, LeBron James has confirmed that the Monstars, the antagonists of the first film, will not return as Space Jam: A New Legacy will be a stand-alone sequel rather than a direct sequel.
On May 11, 2021, Michael Jordan was confirmed to return, but in Cheadle's words, "Not the way you expect".
On May 21, 2021, Lil Baby & Kirk Franklin released a song for the Space Jam: A New Legacy soundtrack.
On June 8, 2021, a new poster was released with the trailer being announced to release for the following day.
Transcript[]
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
For a list of characters that have cameo appearances in the movie, see List of Space Jam: A New Legacy cameos.
For a list of other franchises references in the movie, see List of Space Jam: A New legacy franchise references.
- This is the first Warner Animation Group to be released in July, followed by DC League of Super-Pets.
- This is the very first Looney Tunes feature film released in stereoscopic 3D, due to being converted to 3D during post-production.
- This is the first theatrical traditionally-animated feature film in the 2020s decade; the next being Bob's Burgers: The Movie by 20th Century Studios, a division of Walt Disney Studios.
- This is the very first Warner Animation Group film to feature the Looney Tunes characters.
- Zendaya's second Warner Animation Group film, after Smallfoot.
- This is the first Warner Animation Group to use traditional animation for the animated characters rather than just computer animation.
- This is the second time the Iron Giant makes a cameo in another Warner Bros. film after Ready Player One.
- This is the third time King Kong makes a cameo in another Warner Bros. film after The LEGO Batman Movie and Ready Player One.
- This is the second time Scooby-Doo and Shaggy Rogers make cameos in the Looney Tunes feature film after Looney Tunes: Back in Action.
- Thus, it is also the first time Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, and Velma Dinkley make cameos in the Looney Tunes feature film.
- This is the first time that Yacko, Wacko, and Dot make brief cameos in the Looney Tunes feature film.
- Thus, the film also marks the Warners' second theatrical appearance after the Animaniacs short film I'm Mad back in 1994.
- This is the first time that Fred Flintstone, Barney Rubble, Wilma Flintstone, Betty Rubble, Bamm-Bamm Rubble, Pebble Flintstone, and Dino make cameos in the Looney Tunes feature film.
- The third Looney Tunes feature film to be rated PG by the MPA, after the original Space Jam and Looney Tunes: Back in Action.
- This is the first time characters from various R-rated Warner Bros.-owned films (action, drama, or horror) make cameos in a PG-rated family film from the said studio.
- This movie may have a few similarities to Disney's Ralph Breaks the Internet:
- Both are sequels to their predecessors.
- Both have a whole lot of characters from their respective studios make cameos.
- Both have the main character enter the digital world.
- With the running time of 115 minutes, this is the longest Looney Tunes feature film in history.
- The Nerdlucks appear in 2 shots during the big game via reused animation from the first Space Jam.
- The second Warner Animation Group film to be produced in 1.85:1 aspect ratio, after Tom & Jerry.
- The second Warner Animation Group film to use mild language ("hell" and "damn" are both used once, and God's name is taken in vain twice) after Tom & Jerry.
- The second Warner Animation Group film to have the opening credits, after Tom & Jerry.
- This is the first Warner Animation Group film to have a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital combo pack since The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part.
- The second-to-last Warner Animation Group film to be released in theaters and on HBO Max on the same day after Tom & Jerry.
- Malcolm D. Lee also has interest in directing a third Space Jam movie with Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock.
- A statue of King Triton from The Little Mermaid can be seen in Aquaman's underwater home city of Atlantis in the DC world, despite the aforementioned animated franchise being the property of Walt Disney Studios.
- Lola Bunny is the only original Looney Tunes character from the first Space Jam film to return for a long role in this film.
- There were references to Nike in this film:
- LeBron’s black Hoodie.
- When Lebron arrived at Tune World the landing made a Nike Logo hole.
- Lebron White Trainers he was writing names on.
- The Tune Squad new Uniforms.
- Dom and Al-G Rhythm uniform for Goon Sqaud
- Lebron new Nike Trainers after Al-G Rhythm Transformation on the Tune Squad.
References[]
External Links[]
Space Jam: A New Legacy on Warnerbros.com- Space Jam: A New Legacy on Looney Tunes Wiki
- Space Jam: A New Legacy on Space Jam Wiki
- Space Jam: A New Legacy at the Internet Movie Database
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