Space Jam: A New Legacy 2021

Movie · 115 min · English · July 12, 2021

Directed by Malcolm D. LeeWritten by Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, Keenan Coogler, Terence Nance

Starring LeBron James, Don Cheadle, Cedric Joe, Sonequa Martin-Green, Khris Davis

Space Jam: A New Legacy is a 2021 American sports comedy film directed by Malcolm D. Lee. This sequel to the 1996 Space Jam combines live action and animation, featuring basketball player LeBron James in a fictional portrayal of himself. Supporting live-action roles are played by Don Cheadle, Khris Davis, and Sonequa Martin-Green, while voice actors include Jeff Bergman, Eric Bauza, Karan Brar, and Zendaya. The plot centers on James enlisting the help of Looney Tunes characters to win a basketball game in a Warner Bros.–themed virtual world after an artificial intelligence abducts his youngest son.

Talks about a Space Jam follow-up started after the original movie’s release. Joe Pytka was considered to return as director, with Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone signed on for animation duties. The project faced delays when Michael Jordan declined to reprise his role. Various spin-offs focusing on athletes like Jeff Gordon, Tiger Woods, and Tony Hawk were discussed but never developed. A new version starring James was announced in 2014, with principal photography beginning in the Los Angeles area under director Terence Nance in June 2019. Nance exited the project in July due to creative differences and was replaced by Lee, with filming wrapping up by September. Traditional animation was produced by Company 3 and Tonic DNA, while visual effects and computer animation were handled by Industrial Light & Magic.

The film had its premiere in Los Angeles on July 12, 2021, followed by a nationwide release in the United States by Warner Bros. Pictures on July 16, available for one month via HBO Max. It earned $164 million at the box office, received generally negative reviews from critics focusing on the plot and excessive IP promotion, and took home three of four Golden Raspberry Award nominations, including Worst Actor for James.