Welcome to the Jam!|Jul. 08, 2021|United States|115 Min.|PG
Genre: Animation;Comedy;Drama;Family;Kids;Music;Science;Fiction;SuperHero
Description: “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” released in 2021, is an American live-action/animated sports comedy film directed by Malcolm D. Lee. It serves as a standalone sequel to the 1996 film “Space Jam.” This movie marks the first theatrical release featuring the Looney Tunes characters since “Looney Tunes: Back in Action” in 2003. The film combines live-action, traditional hand-drawn animation, and 3D CGI effects.
The story follows basketball star LeBron James, who plays a fictionalized version of himself. Alongside live-action performances by Don Cheadle, Khris Davis, and Sonequa Martin-Green, the Looney Tunes are voiced by Jeff Bergman, Eric Bauza, and Zendaya. Set in a shared Warner Bros. virtual multiverse, the plot centers on LeBron teaming up with the Looney Tunes to win a high-stakes basketball game against digitized champions. Their goal is to rescue LeBron’s son from Al-G Rhythm, a rogue AI program.
Plans for a sequel to the original “Space Jam” began shortly after its release, with Joe Pytka initially set to direct. However, the project stalled due to Michael Jordan’s refusal to return. Over the years, spin-offs featuring other athletes like Jeff Gordon, Tiger Woods, and Tony Hawk were considered but never materialized. Finally, in 2014, a sequel led by LeBron James was officially announced. Filming started in June 2019 under Terence Nance, but after a few weeks, he stepped down, and Malcolm D. Lee took over.
The film premiered in the United States on July 16, 2021, available both in theaters and on HBO Max for a limited time. While critics appreciated the animation, many panned the film for its heavy reliance on Warner Bros. intellectual properties and its plot, which closely resembled the original. Overall, “Space Jam: A New Legacy” received mixed to negative reviews.
Cast director: Malcolm D. Lee
Cast actor: LeBron James, Don Cheadle, Khris Davis, Sonequa Martin-Green, Cedric Joe, Eric Bauza, Zendaya, Bob Bergen, Gerald ‘Slink’ Johnson, Ceyair J. Wright
Original name: Space Jam: A New Legacy