For information on the 1996 film, see Space Jam.
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Space Jam: A New Legacy is a 2021 American science-fiction sports film which serves as the sequel to 1996's Space Jam. The film was be directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Like the previous hybrid films, it is be a combination of live-action and traditional hand drawn 2D animation. The film was set released on July 16, 2021, both in theaters and on HBO Max.
The film also features the Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny, Lola Bunny, and Daffy Duck. James also acts as a producer alongside Ryan Coogler.
Talks for a Space Jam sequel began after the first film's release but eventually fell through due to Michael Jordan's refusal to return. Several possible spin-offs, focusing on other athletes, including Jeff Gordon, Tiger Woods, and Tony Hawk, were also discussed but never came to fruition. A LeBron James-led sequel was officially announced in 2014, and after several years of languishing, filming began under Terence Nance in June 2019 around Los Angeles. After a few weeks into filming, Nance left the project; Lee was hired to replace him in July 2019. Production wrapped in September 2019.
Space Jam: A New Legacy was released in the United States on July 16, 2021 (except for Australia where it was pushed to November due to the COVID-19 pandemic), by Warner Bros. Pictures, after being pushed back from an initial 2020 release due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first theatrically released film to feature the Looney Tunes characters since the release of Looney Tunes: Back in Action in November 2003, as well as the overall tenth feature film in the franchise (not including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, as that was produced by Disney).
Premise summary[]
When basketball champion and global icon LeBron James and his young son Dom (Cedric Joe) - who dreams of being a video game developer - are trapped in a virtual space by a rogue algorithm named Berserk-O Rhythm (Mel Brooks), LeBron James must be them home safe by leading Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Lola Bunny, and the whole undisciplined Looney Tunes to victory over Berserk-O's digitized champions on the court.
Plot synopsis[]
Basketball champion and global icon LeBron James wishes for both of his sons, LeBron’s Son and Dom, to follow in his footsteps, but Dom, a child prodigy in computer software, instead dreams of becoming a video game developer. LeBron's wife, Shelby, advises him to respect Dom's wish. While showing an interest in Dom's game, Dom discovers a glitch in his character after performing a specific move which causes the character to be deleted, to his chagrin. Later, LeBron is invited with his family to the Warner Bros. studio and is offered to become a movie star, but LeBron dismisses the idea, while Dom shows an interest in the studio's software's, particularly its A.I., Berserk-O. Dom expresses an interest in a future with Warner Bros, leading to an argument with his father over basketball camp where the two storm out. Berserk-O, who has secretly become self-aware and desires more recognition from the world, lures the two to the basement and traps them inside a virtual reality, where he takes Dom prisoner and orders LeBron to assemble a basketball team made from fictional characters owned by Warner Bros to challenge him to a game in a day's time, telling him that he will only be released if he wins, and sends him through the virtual space where he lands in Tune World. Meanwhile, Berserk-O accosts Dom and begins to turn him against his father by playing on his resentments and helping him develop and upgrade himself and his game, which he secretly intends to use against LeBron.
LeBron finds Tune World deserted save only for Bugs Bunny, who explains that Berserk-O persuaded the rest of the Looney Tunes to leave their world. Using a spaceship belonging to Marvin the Martian, LeBron & Bugs travel to different worlds based on Warner Bros properties such as DC Comics, Wizard of Oz, Hannah Barbara, Animaniacs Cartoon Network,and Sailor Moon to locate and recruit the rest of the Looney Tunes, such as Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Wile E. Coyote, Roadrunner, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester, Yosemite Sam, Tasmania Devil, Sylvester Jr., Foghorn Leghorn, Gossamer, Granny, Speedy Gonzales, Penelope Pussycat, Pepé Le Pew, Tweety Bird and Lola Bunny, into the Tune Squad. Over Bugs' objections, LeBron insists on coaching them on fundamental basketball. The Tune Squad meet with Berserk-O's team, the Goon Squad (Joker, Voldimort, Thrax, Ruber and the Wicked Witch), comprised of cartoon avatars of professional basketball players with superpowers and led by Dom. To further the stakes, Al-G livestreams the game and abdBerserktO countless viewers, including LeBron's family, into the virtual reality, and says that if the Tune Squad lose, the viewers will remain there for eternity and the Looney Tunes will die permanently.
The Goon Squad easily dominate the first half of the game, using their powers to overcome the Tune Squad to score extra points. During the break, Tweety attempts to recruit Michael Jordan, who previously helped them beat the Monstars and Mr. Swackhammer years ago. LeBron agrees and allows Bugs to devise the strategy for the second half, using their cartoon physics to catch up with the Goon Squad. During a respite, however, LeBron confronts Dom and tells him he no longer wants to stand in the way of his dream. Berserk-O takes over the Goon Squad and uses his own abilities to take control of the game. Dom suddenly discovers the only way to win the game is to use the move he previously showed LeBron, even though he will be die. However, during the final seconds of the game, LeBron performs the move, and enabling Dom and Daffy by throwing the extra jumper to Bugs, scoring the final point, winning the game, and "posterizing" Berserk-O, erasing him forever. The James family and the abducted citizens are returned to the real world, while in Tune World, Lola hugs Bugs in which he welcomes her home as they share a kiss.
In the real world, LeBron comes to see his family in a different light and supports Dom's decision to become a video game designer before dropping him off at E3. Later in Tune World, all the Looney Tunes celebrate their victory. Bugs makes Lola a gift of her new Tune Squad uniform and she smiles.
Cast[]
Live-Action Actors[]
- LeBron James as Himself
- Stephen Kankole as young LeBron (13 years)
- Cedric Joe as Dom James
- Michael Jordan as Himself
- Sonequa Martin-Green as Shelby James
- Ceyair J Wright as LeBron’s Son James
- Harper Leigh Alexander as LeBron’s Daughter James
- Khris Davis as Mailk
- Jalyn Hall as young Malik (13 years)
- Wood Harris as Coach C
- Additionally, Dick and Dom appear as the game commentators. (NBA) players Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul, Draymond Green, and Kyle Kuzma as well as (WNBA) player Chiney Ogwumike and actor Dwayne Johnson also make cameo appearances.
Voice Actors[]
- Billy West as Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd[1]
- Zendaya as Lola Bunny
- Eric Bauza as Daffy Duck, Tweety, Pepé Le Pew, Foghorn Leghorn, and Marvin the Martian.[2]
- Jeff Bergman as Sylvester, Yosemite Sam, Yogi Bear, and Fred Flintstone
- Bob Bergen as Porky Pig and Sylvester Jr.
- Awkwafina as Penelope Pussycat
- Jim Cummings as Tasmanian Devil
- Candi Milo as Granny
- Gabriel Iglesias as Speedy Gonzales
- Paul Julian as the Road Runner (archival audio, uncredited)
- Mel Brooks as Berserk-O
- Brock Baker as O-No
- Brian Hull as O-Yes
- Stephanie Sheh as Sailor Moon
- Rob Paulsen as Yakko
- Jess Harnell Wakko
- Tress MacNeille as Dot
- Kimberly D. Brooks as Additional Voices
Thompson, Davis, Lillard, Taurasi, & Ogwumike also appear as themselves in the real world, & LeBron also lends his voice to his animated version including Dom.
Production[]
Although production for a direct Space Jam sequel had been planned since the first film's release, the original ideas were scrapped due to Michael Jordan and Joe Pyka refusing to return for a sequel (it is unknown why, but has been rumoured that they had written their own script and were fired for it because their ideas were too dark). Warner Bros. Entertainment eventually landed on the idea for a standalone spin-off film, which came to be Looney Tunes: Back in Action in 2003. Back in Action was not successful, and prevented Warner Bros. from producing theatrical Looney Tunes-related media for a while.
Rebecca Ford, a reporter from the Hollywood Reporter, reported that director Justin Lin of Fast and Furious fame has been signed on as director and co-screenwriter. A source close to Mega Hollywood Studio confirmed that Warner Bros. has also hired Andrew Dodge, writer of the 2013 comedy Bad Word, to co-write for the film. While little is known on the cast as of now, basketball superstar LeBron James is set to star in the sequel as part of a multimedia deal James signed with Warner Bros in July for movies, TV and internet endeavors for his production company.
Development[]
In February 2014, Warner Bros. officially announced development of a sequel that will star LeBron James. Charlie Ebersol was set to produce, while Willie Ebersol wrote the script.[1]
In May 2014, James was quoted as saying, "I've always loved Space Jam. It was one of my favorite movies growing up. If I have the opportunity, it will be great."[2]
In July 2015, James and his film studio, SpringHill Entertainment, signed a deal with Warner Bros. for television, film and digital content after receiving positive reviews for his role in Trainwreck.[3]
In May 2016, Justin Lin signed onto the project as director, and co-screenwriter with Andrew Dodge and Alfredo Botello.[4]
In August 2018, Lin left the project, and Terence Nance was hired to direct the film.[5]
In September 2018, Ryan Coogler was announced as a producer for the film. SpringHill Entertainment released a promotional teaser image officially announcing the film, with production set to begin in 2019 during the NBA off-season.[6]
In November 2018, filming was to take place in California, within a 30 mile radius of Los Angeles. Prior to production, the film received $21.8 million in tax credits as a result of a new tax incentive program from the state. [7]
In February 2019, the film had a set release date of July 16, 2021.[8]
In June 2019, principal photography began.[9]
In July 2019, it was announced Nance was leaving the project because he and "the studio/producers had different takes on the creative vision for Space Jam 2", and that Malcolm D. Lee would serve as his replacement.[10]
In September 2019, production wrapped.[11]
In December 2019, Bradford Young, who was set to serve as cinematographer, also left the project and was replaced by Salvatore Totino.[12]
In January 2020, Veteran Walt Disney animator Tony Bancroft (known for his work on The Lion King and Mulan) started working at Warner Bros. Animation for the film. And Hans Zimmer was announced as the composer for the film. [13]
In March 2020, photos taken on set and a brief recording of the wrap party were leaked online, revealing that the film will feature characters from other Warner-owned properties. James also revealed that work on the film's animation has begun. He also said that production on the film has been largely unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as most of the work left on the film involves animation. And the Bancroft Brothers confirmed that Spike Brandt, a Warner Bros. Animation veteran and an animator on the original Space Jam, would be directing the animation. [14]
In April 2020, James officially revealed the title and logo of the movie, via Instagram, as Space Jam: A New Legacy. And Kris Bowers was announced as another composer for the film. He was later confirmed to be the only composer. [15]
In May 2020, according to voice actor Eric Bauza, the animation was still being worked on and he had voiced some temporary dialogue while neither confirming nor denying his involvement with the final product. Bauza also said that he does some scratch dialogue as the writers "punch up story lines and jokes". And Ole Loken, who worked on Klaus, confirmed that he was animating on the film. [16]
In August 2020, James held a farewell meeting talking about how he idolised with the first Space Jam film when he was a kid in Akron, Ohio, when the production wrapped, which was leaked, along with pictures of James with his #6 Tune Squad outfit. And Matt Williames, who has not worked with Warner Bros. since Looney Tunes: Back in Action, started doing animation for the movie.[17]
In September 2020, it was announced that Australian toy company Moose Toys made a deal with Warner Bros. to make merchandise for the film along with the 2021 live-action/animated Tom and Jerry hybrid film.[18]
In October 2020, the synopsis was leaked from a test screening email by Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts and Final Spacewriter Ben Mekler. And Loken shared the design for Lola Bunny on Twitter, confirming that the movie will stay true to designs of the Looney Tunes characters in the 1996 version. He also shared the design for Daffy Duck.[19]
In December 2020, it was announced that the film would be released on July 16, 2021 in theaters and HBO Max simultaneously.[20]
On March 7, 2021, it was announced Pepé Le Pew was removed from the sequel film, however, they would later return in Space Jam: The Old Legacy
The first trailer for the movie was released on YouTube on April 3, 2021, revealing that Zendaya was cast as Lola Bunny.
On April 30, 2021, LeBron James has confirmed that the Monstars, the antagonists of the first film, will not return as Space Jam: A New Legacy will be an indirect sequel rather than a direct sequel.
On May 11, 2021, Michael Jordan was confirmed to return, but in Cheadle's words, "Not the way you expect".
On May 21, 2021, Lil Baby & Kirk Franklin released a song for the Space Jam: A New Legacy soundtrack.
On June 8, 2021, a new poster was released with the trailer being announced to release for the following day.
Reception[]
Prior the the film's release, Joe Pytka, the director of the original film, advised the film's creators "Don't do it. It's doomed. Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet." He goes on to comment that LeBron James' popularity and skill has already been surpassed by the likes of Steph Curry or other basketball athletes. "...when we did Space Jam, there was a perfect storm of players and ex-players available — Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing," says Pytka. "They all had a persona that complemented the film. There are none around like that now."
Upon release, the movie was received amazingly from critics. Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie a 100%, with the critics consensus, "It was a cinematic masterpiece that will stand the test of time as one of the greatest films EVER." The audience scoring on the website was also 100%.
The movie was also nominated for many Oscar Awards. The movie won all of those, LeBron James as best actor, Space Jam: A New Legacy as best feature film. Bugs Bunny as best supporting actor, best screenplay, best animated feature, best original score, best sound, and many more
Future[]
In 2024, it was announced that Space Jam Forever After would be the next film in the franchise, releasing in December 2026, with LeBron James returning as the lead.
Transcript[]
- Main article: Space Jam: A New Legacy/Transcript
Soundtrack[]
| Space Jam: A New Legacy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | |
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Released |
July 9, 2021 |
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Recorded |
March 2020 - April 2021 |
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Genre |
R&B |
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Legnth |
47:41 |
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Label |
Republic/WaterTower |
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Producers |
Kris Bowers |
It was officially released on July 9, 2021 by Republic Records and WaterTower Music.
- 1. We Win by Lil Baby & Kirk Franklin (3:15)
- 2. Control the World by 24kGoldn and Lil Wayne (2:16)
- 3. See Me Fly by Chance the Rapper, John Legend and Symba (2:23)
- 4.Hoops by Saweetie, Salt-N-Pepa and Kash Doll (2:42)
- 5. Pump Up the Jam by Lil Uzi Vert {2:15)
- 6. Just for Me Saint Jhn and SZA (3:37)
- 7. Crowd Go Crazy by John Legend (3:00)
- 8. Mercy by Jonas Brothers (3:01)
- 9. Gametime by Lil Tecca and Aminé (3:11)
- 10. All About Time by Dame D.O.L.L.A., G-Eazy, White Dave and P-Lo (3:11)
- 11. MVP by Brockhampton (2:51)
- 12. Settle the Score by Cordae and Duckwrth (2:29)
- 13. Goin' Looney by Big Freedia (3:40)
- 14. Shoot My Shot by Joyner Lucas (3:22)
- 15. My Guy by Leon Bridges (3:20)
- 16. The Best by Anthony Ramos (3:01)
Original score[]
the film's soundtrack was composed by Kris Bowers, although was initially to be composed by Hans Zimmer.
Gallery[]
Production art[]
Fan art[]
Screenshots[]
Merchandise[]
Videos[]
Trivia[]
For a list of characters that have cameo appearances in the movie, see List of Space Jam: A New Legacy cameos.
For a list of other franchises references in the movie, see List of Space Jam: A New legacy franchise references.
- On March 7, 2021, it was announced Pepé Le Pew was removed from the sequel film.[1]
- Jeff Bergman reprised his role as Bugs Bunny for the second film.
- Billy West was also going to voice as Pepe' Le Pew although he did appear in a deleted scene where he attempts to flirt with a bartender.[1]
- Kath Soucie was initially announced to be reprising her role as Lola Bunny.
- On April 3, 2021, Zendaya was announced to be replacing Soucie as the voice of Lola Bunny for unknown reasons.[2]
- On April 30, 2021, LeBron James has confirmed that the Monstars, the antagonists of the first film, will not return as A New Legacy will be a stand-alone sequel rather than a direct sequel.
- On May 11, 2021, Michael Jordan Confirmed in Space Jam 2.
- In May 21, 2021, Soundtrack by We Win Produced by Lil Baby & Kirk Franklin.
- In June 7, 2021, It's if unknown Petunia Pig and Tina Russo join new film sequel Space Jam: A New Legacy.
- In June 8, 2021 on second trailer.
- In June 11, 2021, The Nerdlucks Will Return to Space Jam: A New Legacy and then get stolen From 5 NBA Players Offseason 2018-19.
- In June 25, 2021, Release poster
- In June 30, 2021, Space Jam: A New Legacy Xbox Controller.
- In July 9, 2021, Space Jam: A New Legacy - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was released by Republic Records and WaterTower Music.
- This is the very first Looney Tunes feature film released in stereoscopic 3D, due to being converted to 3D during post-production.
- This is the first theatrical traditionally-animated feature film in the 2020s decade; the next being Bob's Burgers: The Movie by 20th Century Studios.
- This is the very first Warner Animation Group film to feature the Looney Tunes characters.
- Zendaya's second Warner Animation Group film, after Smallfoot.
- This is the first Warner Animation Group to use traditional animation for the animated characters rather than just computer animation.
- This is the second time the Iron Giant makes a cameo in another Warner Bros. film after Ready Player One.
- This is the third time King Kong makes a cameo in another Warner Bros. film after The LEGO Batman Movie and Ready Player One.
- This is the second time Scooby-Doo and Shaggy Rogers make cameos in the Looney Tunes feature film after Looney Tunes: Back in Action.
- Thus, it is also the first time Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, and Velma Dinkley make cameos in the Looney Tunes feature film.
- This is the first time that Yakko, Wakko, and Dot make brief cameos in the Looney Tunes feature film.
- Thus, the film also marks the Warners' second theatrical appearance after the Animaniacs short film I'm Mad back in 1994.
- This is the first time that Fred Flintstone, Barney Rubble, Wilma Flintstone, Betty Rubble, Bamm-Bamm Rubble, Pebble Flintstone, and Dino make cameos in the Looney Tunes feature film.
- The third Looney Tunes feature film to be rated PG by the MPA, after the original Space Jam and Looney Tunes: Back in Action.
- This is the first time characters from various R-rated Warner Bros.-owned films (action, drama, or horror) make cameos in a PG-rated family film from the said studio.
- This movie may have a few similarities to Disney's Ralph Breaks the Internet:
- Both are sequels to their predecessors.
- Both have a whole lot of characters from their respective studios make cameos.
- Both have the main character enter the digital world.
- A live-action version of the Man with the Yellow Hat from Curious George makes a cameo in the background, despite the aforementioned animated franchise being owned by Universal Studios. [21]
- With the running time of 115 minutes, this is the longest Looney Tunes feature film in history.
- The Nerdlucks appear in 2 shots during the big game via reused animation from the first Space Jam.
- The second Warner Animation Group film to be produced in 1.85:1 aspect ratio, after Tom and Jerry.
- The second Warner Animation Group film to use mild language ("hell" and "damn" are both used once and God's name is taken in vain twice).