Ryan Coogler to Produce 'Space Jam' Sequel Starring LeBron James

Production is tentatively slated for 2019

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Sep 19, 2018

After finding acclaim with Black Panther earlier this year, Ryan Coogler has now been named to produce the anticipated follow-up to 1996's Space Jam, which will star NBA icon LeBron James.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Coogler will produce the film, while Terence Nance (Random Acts of Flyness) will direct. The site notes that production on the Warner Bros. film has been tentatively slated to begin in the 2019 NBA offseason.

The film will also mark James' first starring role, having previously showed off his acting chops as a supporting character in 2015's Trainwreck.

James told THR that he "loved [Coogler's] vision" for Black Panther, adding, "The Space Jam collaboration is so much more than just me and the Looney Tunes getting together and doing this movie. It's so much bigger. I'd just love for kids to understand how empowered they can feel and how empowered they can be if they don't just give up on their dreams. And I think Ryan did that for a lot of people."

James' Spring Hill Entertainment also shared a shot of four locker room stalls (seen above) confirming the announcement, revealing that Bugs Bunny will slot in at the point guard position alongside James at small forward.

The movement on the film coincides with James' recent work in Hollywood film and TV production following his signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. THR notes that both NBC and The CW announced separate shows in development with Spring Hill last week.

 

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