The long-gestating Space Jam sequel has taken a big step forward today with the hiring of Black Panther director Ryan Coogler.
Space Jam 2 producer and star LeBron James has hired Coogler to be a producer on the film, with Random Acts of Flyness’ Terence Nance taking the director’s seat. Notably, this will be Coogler’s first project since his Marvel film blew away critics and dominated the box office.
NBA superstar Lebron James spoke to The Hollywood Reporter today about the news of Coogler’s hiring. James said he “loved [Coogler’s] vision” for Black Panther, especially for how he brought black superheroes into the mainstream media.
“For Ryan to be able to bring that to kids, it’s amazing.”
“The Space Jam collaboration is so much more than just me and the Looney Tunes getting together and doing this movie,” James added, “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.”
Apparently the “subtext” of Space Jam 2 is “the raging GOAT [Greatest Of All Time] debate between James (who still has years left in the NBA) and Jordan (who has six NBA championships), players with pronounced personality differences.” Interesting!
James’ production company is making no secret of Space Jam 2 moving its development along. Earlier today, SpringHill Entertainment tweeted out the following image. You can see references to the Looney Tunes as well as lockers for Coogler, Nance, James, and Mr. Bugs Bunny:
