Space Jam 2 is finally starting to take shape, as star LeBron James has recruited several key NBA and WNBA stars to join him in the upcoming sequel. This is a movie that has been in the works for years now, but it's finally happening and, with filming expected to get underway this summer, we should be learning more key details in the coming months. For now, we know at least a few of the basketball stars who will also be sharing the screen with the Looney Tunes gang.
According to multiple reports, Anthony Davis, who recently joined LeBron James as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, will be included in the cast. Others stars include Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, Chris Paul of the Houston Rockets and, as was previously rumored, Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson. Additionally, WNBA legend Diana Taurasi is also said to be sharing the screen with James, as well as Los Angeles Sparks duo, the Ogwumike sisters, Nneka and Chiney. The only other casting we've heard up to this point is Sonequa Martin-Green (Star Trek: Discovery), who is said to be playing James' wife.
It was previously reported that LeBron James, who officially signed on to do the sequel last year after it had been rumored for some time, was having trouble recruiting other NBA All-Stars to appear in the movie. Not so much over a lack of desire or anything along those lines, but because of various endorsement deals that may have made for a conflict of interest. It seems King James has managed to sort all of that out and can now proceed with actually getting cameras rolling on the long-awaited follow-up to the 1996 classic, which starred NBA great Michael Jordan in the lead.
Relative newcomer Terence Nance (Random Acts of Flyness) is in the director's chair for Space Jam 2. Justin Lin, who has directed several entries in the Fast and Furious franchise, was attached for some time but eventually departed the project before it actually gained traction. Ryan Coogler (Black Panther) serves as a key producer and is also co-writing the script alongside Sev Ohanian (Searching). Having Coogler on board, given the success he's enjoyed in the Marvel universe, and with movies like Creed, should help to lend the project some credibility.
Story details for the sequel are currently being kept under wraps. The filmmakers will utilize the NBA offseasons to complete at least some of the filming needed. LeBron James missed out on the playoffs this year for the first time since 2005. As disappointing as that was, it surely gave him some additional time to focus on the movie. We'll be sure to keep you posted as any further details on the project are made available. Space Jam 2 is set to arrive in theaters on July 16, 2021. This news was previously reported by ESPN.