With Space Jam: A New Legacy arriving in theaters and HBO Max this weekend, director Malcolm D. Lee is already exploring the idea of a follow-up film starring Dwayne Johnson. A New Legacy is the standalone sequel to the 1996 Warner Bros. blockbuster starring NBA legend Michael Jordan. The sequel follows the original movie's approach of combining animation and live-action elements. Along with Looney Tunes characters, it stars basketball superstar LeBron James, Don Cheadle, Sonequa Martin-Green, and Zendaya.
Space Jam 2 portrays James as a fictionalized version of himself set in the virtual multiverse of Looney Tunes. James teams up with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Lola Bunny, and the rest of the Toon Squad to rescue his youngest son from a rogue A.I. program called Al-G Rhythm (Cheadle). While the sequel has been in the works since the first Space Jam was released, it took a total of 25 years for the follow-up film to materialize. If it doesn't take so long for a Space Jam 3 to happen, Lee has an idea for what they can do.
Ahead of Space Jam 2's long-awaited premiere, director Lee mulled about the possibility of a third installment with Dwayne Johnson as his first pick for the lead role. Speaking to EW, the filmmaker said he's not shutting down the idea of continuing the sports-oriented film saga. While the two Space Jam movies both starred basketball icons, Lee said that casting The Rock would be an interesting choice because the wrestler-turned-actor could give the franchise a new direction. "It would be different. I'm not exactly sure what his skill set would be, maybe he goes back to wrestling. That might be interesting," the director said.
I never say never. It's all going to be about whether the fans respond to this positively. But I think the bar has been set so high in terms of the first one with this global iconic superstar in Michael Jordan, and now the same global iconic superstar in LeBron James, who transcends sports. Who is that next person to put into that universe? And then you've got to find a script and story that's good enough to not repeat what's been done but will capture the spirit of it and keep it going.
Prior to Space Jam 2's production, many athletes have been considered to be MJ's successor. Golf legend Tiger Woods, racing king Jeff Gordon, and pro skateboarder Tony Hawk were all discussed to star in the spin-off. Eventually, LA Lakers' Lebron James was cast, continuing the first movie's basketball theme while attempting to give its plot a modern take.
James certainly brought in his star power for the sequel, but Space Jam 2 was blasted by critics for being too similar to the original movie. Jordan's 1996 movie went on to being the highest-grossing basketball film in history and it's difficult to match its success using the same gameplan. Lee's suggestion of casting Johnson for a potential third movie means trying a new strategy, one that could give the familiar plot a much-needed update.
In addition, Johnson is no stranger to making family-oriented blockbusters. From Tooth Fairy to Moana and Jumanji, the former wrestler has proven that audiences of all ages respond very well to him on screen. The Black Adam star's dedication to his craft is also impeccable as he's been known to prepare for each role and promote every project with so much energy. Should Space Jam get another installment, Lee may be on the right track: a Johnson-led sequel could breathe new life to the franchise and possibly go head-to-head with its predecessor.
Source: EW
