We got a real jam going now welcome to the Space Jam. Here’s your chance, do your dance at the Space Jam, alright!
Let’s get this out of the way first, I unabashedly adore Space Jam and watch it on a fairly regular basis. The comedy is on point and it is as ridiculous as anything else Warner Bros was putting out in the ’90s. When a new Space Jam was announced back in 1994, I was thrilled. Then, of course, we waited many years for it to actually happen. Rumors abounded in the years between 1994 and 2018 until the film was formally teased/announced on Twitter.
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— The SpringHill Co (@TheSpringHillCo) September 19, 2018
After some delays, due to the emergence of COVID-19 causing most filming to stop worldwide, we are finally on track to see the film launch on July 16, 2021. Warner Bros plans to release it simultaneously in theaters (where available) and HBOMax.
Entertainment Weekly has the new film, now titled Space Jam: A New Legacy, featured on the cover of their magazine. They shared some exciting shots from the movie and plenty of behind-the-scenes info on the upcoming hybrid animation-live-action film!
Unlike 1996, I don’t actually follow the sport of basketball anymore. Although, LeBron has certainly entered the cultural zeitgeist and become a household name, just like his predecessor Michael Jordan. However, the hype for the 90s Chicago Bulls was an unreal phenomenon and everyone knew about Jordan and his team even if they had zero interest in sports. LeBron James is not on the same level as Jordan, but the times have changed.
Back in the mid-90s, you would see Jordan on absolutely everything. People followed his every move. He had commercials, guest spots, a cartoon, and merchandise was everywhere beyond the usual sports collectible stores. People would (and did) follow Jordan to the ends of the earth, even watching his less-than-thrilling baseball career. Jordan may have been one of the best to play basketball, but he was no Bo Jackson when it came to crossing over to other sports.
As for the images, it is interesting to see the new furry take on Bugs, which we assume will hold true for the rest of the Tune Squad. In the picture above, you can get a sense of some of the spectators that seem to be quite colorful and even a shield that evokes thoughts of Wonder Woman. I am sure when we get our trailer we will see how many Warner Bros characters make their way into the film.
I only have two concerns for the film at this point:
1. The film is being specifically marketed as “Not a sequel” which would sadden me. A bit of connective tissue would be nice and help people dig out the original and maybe share it with their kids.
2. I haven’t heard if the Quad City DJs’ Space Jam theme song will be featured in the movie. This is really all that matters, I get we won’t get Danny DeVito, but I need my Space Jam theme.
What do you think of this first look of the film? Are you as excited as I am for the “not a sequel” sequel to Space Jam? Let us know in the comments below, on Facebook, or on Twitter!
Space Jam: A New Legacy is set to premiere in theaters and on HBO Max on July 16, 2021.
