The official word dropped on Wednesday that a sequel to “Space Jam” is in the works. If the initial collaborations — LeBron James, Ryan Coogler, and Terence Nance — are any indication of what to expect, then we’re talking “Black Panther” levels of blackness!
In an Instagram post from Springhill Entertainment, the production company founded by James and his childhood friend/business partner Maverick Carter, it shows that James will take over the role made famous by Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan. Because we need more reasons to compare the two, right?
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With movies like “Black Panther,” “Fruitvale Station,” and the “Creed” series under his belt, 32-year-old director Ryan Coogler is a Hollywood force to be reckoned with (he’ll serve as producer for the movie). Bring in Terence Nance, creator of HBO’s “Random Acts of Flyness” (you need to binge watch if you haven’t heard of it), as director and I’m already counting the number of social media statuses prompting black America to buy our opening weekend movie tickets. The things we do for the culture.
I was 10 years old when the original film released in 1996. I wasn’t the biggest NBA fan back then, but I knew what it meant to have Michael Jordan starring in a Warner Bros. movie with other All-Stars like Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Mugsy Bogues, Larry Johnson, Shawn Bradley and Larry Bird. I’m sure the sequel cast will be just as epic.
What was most important to me? The soundtrack. I’m thinking about recreating the playlist to commemorate this occasion. I’m throwing it out there that the sequel’s soundtrack calls for a Future- and/or Pharrell-produced, The Carters title-track type of project.
So, let’s take a moment and recognize that a squad of James, Coogler, and Nance continues to show what being black in Hollywood can be. And whether you think James is the G.O.A.T. or not, this movie is something to be excited about.
Film production is tentatively slated to begin during next year’s NBA off-season.
