Ryan Coogler and LeBron James Bringing Back ‘Space Jam’

Everybody get up, it’s time to slam again. We’ve got a real jam going down. Welcome to another “Space Jam.”

The long-rumored follow-up to the 1996 classic featuring Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes stars is officially in the works, according to an announcement Wednesday by Springhill Entertainment, LeBron James’ production company.

It is unclear what James’ role will be in the movie, although it is a safe bet that he will star and that several other NBA players will make cameos. Terence Nance (HBO’s “Random Acts of Flyness”) is directing, and Ryan Coogler, the director of the massively successful “Black Panther,” will be a producer.

“The ‘Space Jam’ collaboration is so much more than just me and the Looney Tunes getting together and doing this movie,” James said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, “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.”

James’ other recent forays into the entertainment world include “The Shop,” an HBO show in which he held court in barbershops to discuss issues of the day. He was also an executive producer of the program. His name appears on several other coming projects, including the HBO Sports documentary “Student Athlete,” to be broadcast next month, and a 10-episode competition series, “Million Dollar Mile,” which will air on CBS. There is also “Shut Up and Dribble,” a three-part Showtime documentary on the role of athlete activism.

Many other NBA players have made the jump to content creation. Andre Iguodala announced a partnership with the Cheddar network last year. Kyrie Irving starred in “Uncle Drew,” based on a series of Pepsi commercials that he helped create. Kobe Bryant, now retired, won an Oscar last year for best animated short with “Dear Basketball.”

The “Space Jam” sequel has been rumored for years. Justin Lin, best known for his work on the “The Fast and the Furious” franchise, was said to be directing the film in 2016. That same year, Blake Griffin and Jimmy Butler starred in a Foot Locker and Air Jordan commercial featuring Bugs Bunny and referring to the Monstars, the villains in the original film. The Wrap reported rumors of Nance’s involvement last month.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, filming will begin next summer after the NBA season. That makes sense, given that James also has his day job: trying to bring his new team, the Los Angeles Lakers, a championship.