Space Jam: a continuation of the iconic story, now with LeBron James

HBO Max decided to revisit “Space Jam” and create a second part of the famous cartoon, but now with LeBron James in the lead role. In Russia, the film will be released on July 15. Sports brands such as Nike and Converse decided to support the continuation of the cult movie and released collections with the cartoon characters. Read more about these promos and what will be different about the remake of the movie in this article.

About the first movie

Space Jam (1996) Space Jam

It all started out as a promotional project. Michael Jordan’s personality in the nineties was very large: his followers were ready to buy all the things with the image of the idol, which brought incredible income to his agents. Then the basketball player’s managers contacted Warner Bros. Pictures, wanting to unite Michael Jordan with the Looney Tunes franchise. And the deal with the company was successful: first they shot a commercial with Jordan and Bugs Bunny, and then began preparations for the movie and animated drawings. But suddenly Jordan leaves basketball, before the movie could be released. Two years later, in 1995, Michael returns to the Chicago Bulls, and then “Space Jam” is finally released in theaters.

The plot of the cartoon is as follows: monsters from the planet “Mountain of Jerks” want to forcefully attract characters from the animated series “Looney Tunes” in their amusement park. After traveling to Earth, the monsters find the animals, led by Bugs Bunny, and inform them of their intentions. The cartoon characters offer to play a game of basketball to decide whether or not they will go to another planet based on the results of the competition. The monsters agree to this wager and in order to win, they take away the power of NBA basketball players. The Looney Tunes characters are at a loss and turn to Michael Jordan for help. While in the magical world, he learns about the danger faced by the locals, and eventually decides to help them defeat evil. In the cartoon, everything is possible, including a long arm dunk in the final game and saving the animals from slavery.

About the sequel

Space Jam: The New Generation

“Space Jam. New Legacy” – one of the attempts of LeBron James to prove that in the professional plan he stands on the same level with the legend of the basketball world. The creators say about the complete independence of the movie, without any semantic continuation, but the common features the viewer will always find. According to the plot of the sequel, LeBron James wants to save his son and goes to a fairy tale world. There with a team of Looney Tunes characters he will have to fight with digital copies of famous basketball players.

It is also known that in the movie there will be new characters, which were not in the first part. It is also worth waiting for the NBA stars and the return of Michael Jordan, but in what form the great basketball player will take part in the filming, is not yet known. The movie will also feature American actor Don Cheadle, who will presumably play the role of the main villain – Berseko. Many movie critics expect a “wow-effect” from computer graphics, which for two decades has greatly advanced. That’s why we should expect something special from LeBron, not just a ball game and a stretched arm.

About Nike, Converse and Microsoft collections

The footwear collections introduce the new generation to the world of Looney Tunes. The colorways and graphics are dedicated to the cartoon characters.

Nike has three models of sneakers available in versions for adults and children: LeBron 18, Air Force 1 and LeBron 19. The latter model contains a dual-chamber Air Max unit in the heel and forefoot for improved cushioning. Nike Basketball shoe designer Jason Petrie said: “We wanted to give LeBron a whole new feel that would be synonymous with the otherworldliness of the space age.”

The Converse brand added some prints to the tall sneakers with character silhouettes and “Tune Squad” lettering. The Lola Bunny Pro Leather sneakers are made of smooth perforated leather with a furry Star Chevron logo and an embroidered image of Lola in the back. Such a model will suit fans of white sneakers and Space Jam.

From the apparel, Nike together with LeBron brand released basketball uniforms with the logos of two star teams, Tune Squad and Goon Squad. There’s also a black bomber with distinctive red stripes and “Tune Squad” lettering.

Converse’s collection includes black T-shirts, shorts, hoodies and backpacks featuring the heroes.
Moreover, Nike and Microsoft will also release a “Space Jam: A New Legacy x Xbox x Nike LeBron 18 Low” bandle for gamers. The themed bundle will include LeBron James sneakers (there will be two colors to choose from) and an Xbox Series controller with a Looney Tunes-inspired design. It is scheduled for release on July 15, 2021.

Microsoft has announced an Xbox gamepad to coincide with the release of the movie. The Space Jam: A New Legacy Exclusive Xbox Wireless Controller gamepads will be available in four versions. The devices not only work with Xbox consoles (Xbox One and Series), they can also be used with tablets and Android devices via Bluetooth.