While there's a fair amount that separates the 1996 Space Jam from its 2021 sequel, like LeBron James as the lead and the special effects, the biggest difference is all of the added side characters. The filmmakers went into the vault of almost every Warner Bros. property, which meant the movie had plenty of memorable cameos.
On top of that, Space Jam: A New Legacy also included a few surprise appearances from some of the most talented and respected actors in recent memory. Though there were almost countless cameos, a handful of them stood out as being the best of the crowded bunch.
Sarah Silverman
One of the film's earliest scenes sees LeBron James visit Warner Bros. Studios to discuss a potential movie deal. While his son Dominic is impressed by the presentation put together by Al-G Rhythm, LeBron isn't. One of the executives he talks to is played by Sarah Silverman.
This was an interesting appearance as Silverman isn't someone with major notable ties to LeBron James, the NBA, or even Warner Bros. That works in its favor though, as it was a real surprise to see the veteran comedian. She even gets to deliver a funny line or two in her short stint.
Steven Yeun
There is one other Warner Bros. executive who appears alongside Sarah Silverman and that's Steven Yeun. Again, he's in a similar boat to Silverman in that he doesn't seem to have any connections to the other cast members and characters.
Regardless of his lack of ties, it was still a treat to see Yeun in the film. He's a popular actor thanks to his roles in shows like The Walking Dead and Invincible, as well as his Oscar-nominated performance in Minari.
Justice League
When LeBron James suggested that he recruits the top characters from WB like King Kong and Superman, Bugs Bunny had a different idea. He did take James to Metropolis, completely done in the animation style of Superman: The Animated Series, but it was for someone else.
While there, LeBron and Bugs found Daffy Duck dressed as Superman and Porky Pig recording his antics. After Daffy fails at being super, the members of the Justice League appeared, hovering over the city. It's a quick appearance but it works well enough.
Lil Rel Howery
Most of the film's cameos come right as soon as the big game at the end begins. Various Warner Bros. characters show up to watch it go down including the Scooby Doo gang, the Iron Giant, the Night King, Pennywise, and more. Alas, those were expected by the original trailer.
The real surprises came when some unexpected humans joined the fun. Among them was Lil Rel Howery, who gets to provide commentary for the game. Howery was a fun addition because his comedic skills are top-notch and he has a basketball connection given his role as a coach in Uncle Drew.
Ernie Johnson Jr.
Of course, Lil Rel Howery is mostly just meant to handle color commentary and make funny quips. The actual play-by-play of the game had to be done by someone with experience and that turned out to be Ernie Johnson Jr., who is most known from the NBA on TNT coverage.
Johnson is a veteran of the sport and he acts as the anchor between NBA legends like Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley on the pre-game panel. That made him a great choice to appear here as it was both surprising and lent a shred of credibility to the situation.
Nerdlucks
Most fans remember the bad guys from the original Space Jam as the Monstars but that name is actually only given to them when they steal their basketball skills and grow in size. Before that, they were simply known as the Nerdlucks.
These tiny aliens are the minions of the villainous Mr. Swackhammer, though they beat him up at the end of the story. The Monstars didn't return in this film but the Nerdlucks did. It's only a quick shot of them reacting to the final game but it was enough to warm the hearts of longtime fans.
Rick & Morty
It could be argued that the most popular Warner Bros. property in recent memory is Rick and Morty. The animated series is beloved by so many and is a staple of pop culture in a way that most shows can only dream of. That made their cameo here such a hit.
While it's an obvious crowd-pleaser, there's more to it than that. This wasn't just Rick and Morty appearing to watch the game, as they showed up way earlier. They randomly dropped off the Tazmanian Devil, suggesting there's a lost adventure with the three out there somewhere.
Wonder Woman
Speaking of characters who make cameos that add more to the story than just appearing, there's Wonder Woman. Voiced by Rosario Dawson, she doesn't make a simple cameo alongside the rest of the Justice League, which makes her arrival better.
LeBron James and Bugs Bunny went looking for Lola Bunny (Zendaya) due to her vast basketball skills. They find her working with Wonder Woman, as she went through trials. Though she didn't complete things in time, Wonder Woman deemed Lola a success in a shared bond of powerful females.
Bill Murray
One of the highlights of the first film was Bill Murray. Appearing as himself, he was Michael Jordan's friend who played golf with him and suggested that he should join the NBA with the star players out. Fans everywhere hoped for a return from Murray in the sequel.
The entire story went by without an appearance from Murray, which disappointed many. However, those who stayed through the credits got a welcome surprise. There's a brand new photo of Murray hanging out with Bugs Bunny. It's random and just the kind of cameo Murray is famous for.
Michael B. Jordan
This is easily the most clever moment of the film. With the Tune Squad getting dominated at halftime, things looked dire until Sylvester walked in saying he found Michael Jordan. The build-up to him walking in even played the iconic Chicago Bulls theme song from the '90s.
Michael Jordan did enter but it was actually Michael B. Jordan, one of the most talented actors around today. Not only was it cool for the name similarities but Jordan also gave a short speech that ended with, "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose," in a nod to his role on Friday Night Lights.