LeBron James Is Back in the Spotlight—This Time on the Silver Screen
LeBron James just signed with the Los Angeles Lakers a couple of months ago, but in his spare time he’s snagging his most ambitious Hollywood venture yet: a Space Jam 2 sequel.
What’s the Deal?
- SpringHill Entertainment (LeBron’s own production house) posted a photo of a locker room with the names “LeBron,” “Ryan Coogler” (the Black Panther director), and “Bugs Bunny” as the point guard.
- LeBron’s praise for Coogler: “I loved his vision for Black Panther.”
- Warner Brothers picked independent filmmaker Terence Nance—creator of HBO’s Random Acts of Flyness—to direct the film.
The original 1996 blast from the past had Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing teaming up with Looney Tunes to beat the evil Monstars of the intergalactic type‑cast. Now the plan is to bring that laugh‑and‑shoot charm back for a new generation.
LeBron’s Hollywood History
He’s not a one‑off in the world of acting: Trainwreck (2015) had him on the side carpet, and he lent his voice to Warner Brothers’ animated hit Smallfoot (just hit U.S. theatres). He even produced the HBO series The Shop, where icons get real talk in barber shops.
Why This Is Bigger Than It Sounds
LeBron said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that the Space Jam collaboration isn’t just a cool mash‑up. “It’s about showing kids that they can feel empowered, that chasing dreams isn’t a one‑time act.” He added that Coogler’s work on Black Panther “sang a chorus for many.”
Box‑Office Power
- Space Jam grossed over $230 million worldwide.
- Black Panther has raked in a staggering $1.3 billion.
LeBron’s name added to the mix is a guarantee that the Space Jam 2 launch will hit the headlines—and hopefully the hearts—of fans old and new.
