It appears since LeBron can’t get the high profile NBA players to be involved the plot is not going to be anything like the original.
That could be a good or bad thing, we will just have to see.
We know Giannis didn’t want to be in it because he wants to focus on being a better player, but the other stars have different reasons.
As to why shoes matter, Nike is essential to the Space Jam franchise. The 1996 first film was based on the “Hare Jordan” commercial directed by Joe Pytka, who also helmed the feature. That makes the involvement of Curry (Under Armour contract through 2024) and Harden (Adidas) nearly impossible, sources say. Durant, though a key member of Team Nike, is pursuing his own Hollywood efforts, including an Apple series, Swagger, based on his life.
Those familiar with the script say Space Jam 2 will rely less heavily on a Dream Team of hoops luminaries than the Michael Jordan-led film, which saw more than a dozen real-life NBA stars cameo and grossed $231 million worldwide, not adjusted for inflation. Instead, LeBron’s family arc is key, with a yet-to-be-cast teen character named Dom as the second lead, sources say.
Star Trek: Discovery‘s Sonequa Martin-Green already has been cast as LeBron’s wife. (A best friend character named Malik, modeled after Maverick Carter, LeBron’s childhood buddy and producing partner in SpringHill, also will play a significant role.) And Oscar-nominated cinematographer Bradford Young (Arrival) has signed on, signaling the film’s quality mandate.
I am sure it is going to be fine. LeBron should just get the banana boat crew IMO.
Flip the pages for video of what we know so far about Space Jam 2.