In 1996, basketball fans were treated to a historic match up between the Looney Toons, with the help of NBA great Michael Jordan (then at the height of his game), and the Monstars, a group of aliens that sucked the powers out of professional basketball players. For those who missed it, it was a real jam​. Fast forward a decade later and fans will seemingly get to relive this epic game, except this time with the new face of the NBA — LeBron James.
Although a Space Jam reboot with LeBron James has yet to be announced, recent moves by Warner Bros. Entertainment and those in LeBron James' camp suggest a reboot is inevitable.
Last month, according to senior editor Alex Weprin, Warner Bros. filed new trademarks for "Space Jam" last month.
Today, the company announced a new partnership with NBA superstar LeBron James' SpringHill Entertainment for projects spanning film, television, and original digital content.
Coincidence? I think not.
“LeBron James has one of the most powerful, well-known brands in the world and we are excited to be in business with him and his partner, Maverick Carter, and SpringHill Entertainment,” Tsujihara said. “The combination of LeBron’s global media presence and Warner Bros.’ unmatched production and distribution expertise is a big win for fans everywhere.”
Though no specific projects were unveiled, this pretty much screams Space Jam, right? James is coming off his first appearance in a feature film with last week's debut of Universal's romantic comedy "Trainwreck." I've yet to see the movie, but he's earned plenty of praise from fans and critics for his comic timing.
What better direction to take his new acting career than a Space Jam reboot?
Keep in mind, none of this has been confirmed and this is all wild speculation fueled by my desire to see the world rage at yet another reboot of a childhood classic. As one of the most polarizing players in the NBA, it would be great to see the reaction to LeBron James in a film that previously starred the player he's constantly compared to. The debate from best basketball player of all time could shift to best basketball player in a movie.
