Space Jam 2 may have its director…but LeBron gets script approval
By Nir Regev
Warner Bros. is in serious talks to tap director Terence Nance for Space Jam 2, but LeBron James will need to sign off on the script before starring.
According to The Wrap, director Terence Nance is in advanced negotiations for a career defining sequel, Space Jam 2. Nance’s six-episode comedy series Random Acts of Flyness is premiering on HBO tonight, and he’s already about to ink up a deal to direct the most hyped sports film of the last decade.
Clearly, leading industry members were impressed by what they’ve seen and Nance’s entire body of work as a whole.
Prior to this news, director Justin Lin (Fast and Furious) was in talks to direct Space Jam 2. Andrew Dodge, known for Bad Words starring Jason Bateman and credited on IMDB for an upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot wrote the film’s script. Charlie Ebersol, who crafted a previous iteration of the project, is slated to have involvement in some way (likely as a producer) should the movie come to fruition.
LeBron’s production deal with Warner Bros. reportedly includes a clause that calls for his final approval for a script. Call it the no-trade clause of film scripts because the Lakers newest superstar isn’t just going to star in any sequel. Part of the reason King James took his talents over to the Staples Center was likely to have an opportunity at projects like these with ease of location. LeBron knows one mediocre, so-so entry at the box office is all it takes to hurt his brand and make his detractors arrive in full force. Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic could send a film to the abyss with the snap of a finger these days.
James would probably want something that appeals to the entire family while potentially starting a line of toys, video games, merchandise, you name it. Naturally, the first question is which players would be chosen to star along with LeBron? Wade, Paul, Melo, maybe Kevin Love and Chris Bosh get a call? Tyrone Lue coaching? Will the Warriors play the role of the Monstars?
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Most importantly, will Michael Jordan or even Kobe Bryant make a cameo? For now, it’s unclear if icon Bill Murray would return for the sequel. No doubt the heated Jordan/LeBron generational rivalry/discussion will be rekindled should the film make it out to theaters as expected.