Space Jam 2 will head to HBO Max in 2021.
LeBron James’ venture into the filmmaking industry is about to hit its zenith this summer, as a sequel to Michael Jordan’s “Space Jam” is set to hit the big screen in July. While it remains to be seen if James can improve on some of the filmmaking aspects of Jordan’s movie while still retaining the staying power of the original, the box office returns might not look as enticing as LeBron had hoped.
As part of both the lack of theater attendance in the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing popularity of streaming services, Warner announced that their entire slate of 2021 films will be sent to HBO Max in addition to the theatrical release. Movies like Mortal Kombat, Matrix 4, and, of course, Space Jam 2, will be available to stream from home.
Space Jam 2’s plot isn’t that dissimilar from the original
The plot of Space Jam: A New Legacy centers around LeBron and Bugs Bunny trying to save a missing Bronny James by navigating a virtual world populated by characters from various Warner Bros. movies. The main villain is known as Al-G, played by Oscar-nominated actor and MCU familiar face Don Cheadle. Even in the film world, LeBron has proven he can get big names to come work alongside him.
Much like the original, the film, written by Black Panther director Ryan Coogler and directed by Malcolm D. Lee, will feature cameos from some of the best players in the NBA, including Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and Klay Thompson. WNBA star Diana Taurasi and the Ogwumike sisters will also make appearances.
The original might be beloved by fans, but it is hardly a hallmark of modern cinema and it hasn’t aged very well. Hopefully, James proves to be a more charismatic actor than Jordan and this becomes the big smash streaming hit of the summer.