Space Jam: A New Legacy
Ibrahim Tabbah
April 2021
It’s been a quarter of a century since evil intergalactic ballers have threatened the Toon World.
Space Jam 2, the sequel to the beloved sports classic, is finally releasing on July 16, 2021. With 25 years in between the new film and the original, which starred NBA legend Michael Jordan, quite a lot has changed, including the cast, technology, and even the storyline. Although fans applaud the classic ways in which the film was made, all of us are certainly ready to observe the improvements in graphics and the brand new cast for the soon-to-be-released movie.
The legendary Michael Jordan was featured in the original, which brought wide attention and love from sports fans all around the world. The exciting storyline describes how villainous aliens from outer space stole the basketball skills and talent of various NBA superstars, including Charles Barkley, Muggsy Bogues, and Patrick Ewing. Afterward, the aliens play in an intense and vibrantly animated basketball game versus the Looney Tunes, accompanied by Michael Jordan.
However, in 2021 highly anticipated sequel, the main protagonist shifts from Michael Jordan to Lebron James, another NBA all-star. James is cast in a similar role in the movie as he plays in the match in order to protect himself and those close to him from the evil antagonist. Although most know this plot point, almost all of us are still curious as to whom the aliens will steal talent from in the new film, and which current NBA players will be included.
Although the inclusion of a Monstars team with various NBA players and their talent remains unconfirmed, the movie producers have clarified that many current players such as Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, Draymond Green, and Kyle Kuzma will be featured.
From the trailer alone, numerous differences are easily spotted from the original film. For example, LeBron transforms into a cartoon once entering the Looney Tunes world, whereas Michael Jordan remains in human form throughout the original. Furthermore, a new villain rises and kidnaps LeBron’s son, which forces him to participate in his evil basketball scheme. In contrast, Jordan plays to aid the Looney Tunes and help gain the NBA players’ talent.
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One of the most anticipated movies of the summer, Space Jam: A New Legacy, releases on July 16th, and it will definitely catch the attention of the basketball community. As LeBron James’s first major acting role, the movie will have extremely high expectations, and it seems that it will exceed those high standards solely based on the captivating trailer.
For now, however, all we can do is sit back and wait, as we prepare for one of the most modern and well-developed basketball and cartoon films of all time. Whether it is adored or criticized, it will definitely come out as one of the most exciting movies of the summer, so make sure to enjoy it with your friends and family as the Tune Squad finally makes its return to the big screen.