Space Jam Director Says Sequel Is "Doomed"

Michael Jordan > Lebron James.

Space Jam 2
Warner Bros.

Just when you thought all was well in the world and we were legitimately going to see a Space Jam sequel, the original director behind the cult classic has steamed in to pour water on the bonfire of excitement.

Justin Lin's predecessor in the director's chair, Joe Pytka has spoke to The Hollywood Reporter to outline exactly why the sequel, which stars LeBron James is doomed to fail:

"Dont do it. Its doomed. Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet. When we did Space Jam, there was a perfect storm of players and ex-players available Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing; They all had a persona that complemented the film. There are none around like that now."

So, despite the massive global reach of the NBA currently, Pytka doesn't believe there's enough star quality to rival what they had twenty years ago. It's not entirely true, given the likes of Stephen Curry, James Harden and Kevin Durant, but it is somewhat true that there's less mainstream bleeding of top talents. Maybe it won't be too much of an issue, since NBA fans will come to watch those stars (which will amount to no more than cameos surely?) and everyone else will come because it's a Space Jam movie.

Advertisement

The brand already exists, it's not like it's coming from a zero position. More concerning is the fact that it's Justin Lin who is directing.

Are you excited to see Space Jam 2? Share your reactions below in the comments thread.

Advertisement
In this post: 
Space Jam 2
 
Posted On: 
Contributor
Contributor

WhatCulture's former COO, veteran writer and editor.