# Space Jam: A New Legacy

> 2021 film directed by Malcolm D. Lee

**Wikidata**: [Q56850065](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56850065)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Jam:_A_New_Legacy)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/space-jam-a-new-legacy

## Summary
Space Jam: A New Legacy is a 2021 live-action and animated sports comedy film directed by Malcolm D. Lee, serving as a sequel to the 1996 film Space Jam. The movie features NBA star LeBron James alongside Looney Tunes characters in a basketball-themed adventure that blends live-action and animation.

## Key Facts
- Released on July 16, 2021, in the United States
- Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, an American film director, producer, and screenwriter
- Features NBA star LeBron James in the lead role
- Combines live-action and animation with Looney Tunes characters
- Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and The SpringHill Company
- Runtime of 115 minutes
- Budget of $150 million
- Box office gross of $163.7 million worldwide
- IMDb rating of 4.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes score of 25%
- Metacritic score of 36/100
- Part of the Space Jam media franchise
- Follows the 1996 film Space Jam
- Features voice acting by Jeff Bergman, known for his work in Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera productions
- Includes appearances by NBA players such as Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green
- Features WNBA star Diana Taurasi and Hall of Fame player Sue Bird
- Includes voice acting by Don Cheadle, who also appeared in the film
- Features Zendaya as the voice of Lola Bunny
- Michael B. Jordan appears in the film
- Ernie Johnson Jr. appears as himself
- Sonequa Martin-Green appears in the film
- Lil Rel Howery appears in the film
- Gerald Johnson appears in the film
- Nneka Ogwumike appears in the film
- Xosha Roquemore appears in the film
- Wood Harris appears in the film
- A'ja Wilson appears in the film

## FAQs
**What is Space Jam: A New Legacy about?**
Space Jam: A New Legacy follows LeBron James as he teams up with Looney Tunes characters to compete in a basketball game against a rogue artificial intelligence that has trapped his son in a virtual world. The film combines live-action and animation in a sports adventure.

**Who directed Space Jam: A New Legacy?**
The film was directed by Malcolm D. Lee, an American film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his work on various comedy and drama films.

**Who are the main cast members of Space Jam: A New Legacy?**
The film stars LeBron James as himself, with voice performances by Jeff Bergman as various Looney Tunes characters, Don Cheadle as the antagonist, and Zendaya as the voice of Lola Bunny. It also features appearances by numerous NBA and WNBA players.

**Is Space Jam: A New Legacy a sequel to the original Space Jam?**
Yes, Space Jam: A New Legacy is a sequel to the 1996 film Space Jam, which starred Michael Jordan. This new installment features LeBron James in the lead role and updates the concept for a new generation.

**What is the runtime and budget of Space Jam: A New Legacy?**
The film has a runtime of 115 minutes and was produced with a budget of $150 million.

**How was Space Jam: A New Legacy received by critics and audiences?**
The film received mixed reviews, with an IMDb rating of 4.4/10, a Rotten Tomatoes score of 25%, and a Metacritic score of 36/100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews from critics.

## Why It Matters
Space Jam: A New Legacy matters as a significant cultural crossover that bridges professional basketball with entertainment, continuing the legacy of the original Space Jam film while updating it for contemporary audiences. The film represents a major investment by Warner Bros. in combining their intellectual properties (Looney Tunes) with current sports stars, demonstrating the ongoing commercial viability of such crossovers. It showcases the evolution of animation and live-action integration technology since the original film, while also highlighting the global appeal of both the NBA and Warner Bros. characters. The film's production involved numerous high-profile athletes and actors, making it a notable event in both sports and entertainment industries. Despite mixed critical reception, its commercial performance and cultural impact demonstrate the enduring appeal of the Space Jam concept and its ability to attract diverse audiences across generations.

## Notable For
- Serving as the sequel to the 1996 cult classic Space Jam
- Featuring NBA superstar LeBron James in his first major film role
- Combining live-action and animation with extensive use of Warner Bros. intellectual properties
- Including appearances by multiple current NBA and WNBA players
- Featuring voice acting by Jeff Bergman, a veteran Looney Tunes voice actor
- Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, known for his work on comedy films
- Produced by The SpringHill Company, LeBron James's production company
- Featuring a significant budget of $150 million, making it one of the more expensive animated/live-action hybrid films
- Including voice acting by Zendaya as Lola Bunny, updating the character for modern audiences
- Featuring Don Cheadle in a major role as the film's antagonist
- Incorporating references to various Warner Bros. properties beyond Looney Tunes
- Representing a major cross-promotional opportunity between the NBA and Warner Bros.

## Body
### Production and Development
Space Jam: A New Legacy was developed as a sequel to the 1996 film Space Jam, with production beginning years after initial attempts to create a follow-up. The film was directed by Malcolm D. Lee, who brought his experience in comedy and ensemble casting to the project. Production companies involved included Warner Bros. Pictures and The SpringHill Company, founded by LeBron James. The film's development involved extensive collaboration between the film industry and the NBA to coordinate appearances by multiple basketball players.

### Cast and Characters
The film stars LeBron James as himself, marking his debut in a major motion picture role. Voice acting is provided by Jeff Bergman, who voices multiple Looney Tunes characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and others, continuing his long-standing association with these iconic characters. Don Cheadle plays the antagonist, a rogue artificial intelligence, marking one of his appearances in major franchise films. Zendaya provides the voice for Lola Bunny, updating the character for contemporary audiences. The film also features numerous basketball players appearing as themselves, including Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and others, creating a unique blend of professional athletes and entertainment personalities.

### Technical Aspects
The film combines live-action footage with computer-generated animation, representing significant technological advancement since the original Space Jam. The animation was produced to integrate seamlessly with live-action sequences featuring LeBron James and other human actors. The film's 115-minute runtime accommodates both the sports narrative and the extensive world-building required for the virtual reality setting. With a production budget of $150 million, the film represents a substantial investment in the hybrid animation/live-action format.

### Release and Distribution
Space Jam: A New Legacy was released on July 16, 2021, in the United States, with simultaneous availability on HBO Max as part of Warner Bros.' 2021 strategy for day-and-date releases. The film's release strategy reflected changing distribution models in the entertainment industry, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was distributed internationally by Warner Bros. Pictures, reaching audiences in multiple countries.

### Reception and Performance
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with an IMDb rating of 4.4/10, a Rotten Tomatoes score of 25%, and a Metacritic score of 36/100. Despite the critical reception, the film performed commercially, grossing $163.7 million worldwide against its $150 million budget. The film's performance on HBO Max was also significant, as part of Warner Bros.' strategy to leverage their streaming platform alongside theatrical releases.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
Space Jam: A New Legacy continues the cultural phenomenon established by the original Space Jam, updating the concept for a new generation while maintaining connections to the original through references and the inclusion of Looney Tunes characters. The film represents the ongoing commercial appeal of combining professional sports with entertainment franchises, particularly those with strong nostalgic appeal. The inclusion of current NBA and WNBA players alongside entertainment personalities creates a unique cultural moment that bridges sports and entertainment industries. The film's extensive use of Warner Bros. intellectual properties beyond Looney Tunes also demonstrates the studio's strategy of leveraging their vast catalog across multiple properties and franchises.

## References

1. [Full credits. IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3554046/fullcredits)
2. [Space Jam 2. WGA Find a Writer](https://directories.wga.org/project/1180845/space-jam-2)
3. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3554046/fullcredits)
4. LeBron James’ ‘Space Jam 2’ to Film in California
5. ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Star Sonequa Martin-Green in Talks to Join LeBron James in ‘Space Jam 2’
6. Don Cheadle on ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ and the Status of His Marvel Disney+ Series 'Armor Wars'
7. The Movie Database
8. Space Jam: A New Legacy. Rotten Tomatoes
9. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3554046/technical)
10. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3554046/releaseinfo)
11. [Source](http://nmhh.hu/dokumentum/198182/terjesztett_filmalkotasok_art_filmek_nyilvantartasa.xlsx)
12. Space Jam: A New Legacy
13. Every ‘Space Jam’ Cameo We Spied, From ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Harry Potter’
14. Zendaya Joins ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ as Lola Bunny
15. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3554046/locations)
16. [Film Censorship Board](https://lsf.go.id/collection/su/)
17. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt3554046/)
18. [BBFC database](https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/space-jam-a-new-legacy-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc01mzaxmdy)
19. [BBFC database](https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/space-jam-a-new-legacy-film-qxnzzxq6vlgtmtewotyzmw)
20. Kinopoisk
21. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/space-jam-a-new-legacy/)
22. Entertainment Identifier Registry
23. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2021&s_month=7&e_year=2021&e_month=7&pageID=2)
24. film distribution certificate
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26. Brazilian Advisory Rating System
27. [Source](https://sede.mcu.gob.es/CatalogoICAA/info/46021/1/34/209.pdf)
28. [Source](http://cnc.abt.ro/registru/index.aspx?pageID=3&filmID=16511)
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30. [Source](https://fpbquery.fpb.org.za/erms/film_details.aspx?ref=84774)
31. Bechdel Test Movie List
32. [Source](https://imdaonline.imda.gov.sg/classification/Search/Film/SearchDetail.aspx?sType=Feature&sRowID=AAAgZnAAAAAADr5AAG)
33. [Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021 Movie) - Behind The Voice Actors](https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Space-Jam-A-New-Legacy/)
34. [Source](https://warnerbros.fandom.com/wiki/Space_Jam:_A_New_Legacy?oldid=84581)
35. [Source](https://norske-dubber.fandom.com/no/wiki/Space_Jam:_En_ny_legende_(Film)?oldid=127379)
36. [Source](https://www.rcq.gouv.qc.ca/RCQ212AfficherFicheTech.asp?intNoFilm=427368)
37. [Source](http://www.ifco.ie/en/ifco/pages/FACE5B4000535766)
38. [Source](https://cinema.bamid.gov.tw:9443/TheaterMangSystem/Pages/MovieRating/movieInfo.aspx?group=A110304)
39. Trakt.tv
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41. [21 Cineplex](https://21cineplex.com/)