justin-lin

‘Fast & Furious’ and ‘Star Trek Beyond’ director Justin Lin is nearing a deal to co-write, direct and produce the new ‘Space Jam’ movie.  The original ‘Space Jam’ was, of course, a live-action/animation combo released in 1996, starring basketball superstar Michael Jordan and Bill Murray with Warner Brothers’ Looney Tunes characters.  The new version will star LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who made a splash in last year’s Amy Schumer comedy ‘Trainwreck’.  (He will also appear in the recently announced sequel.)

Space-Jam-620x350Andrew Dodge and Alfredo Botello will co-write the script with Lin, who will produce through his Perfect Storm Entertainment and he plans to be heavily involved in his creative development of the film.

Lin directed the third ‘Fast & Furious’ movie, ‘Tokyo Drift’ (the one that didn’t have any of the original stars in it) and continued directing the following three installments in that franchise.  He also helmed ‘Star Trek Beyond’ which is currently in post-production for a theatrical release on July 22.  He is also the executive producer of the TV series ‘Scorpion’ and directed the pilot episode of that show, and is slated to direct the ‘Highlander’ reboot and another ‘Bourne Identity’ spin-off starring Jeremy Renner.

Lin and Renner are also producing an HBO drama which Dodge is writing.

James is possibly the biggest star in basketball now, with 18.7 million Twitter followers and $42 million a year in endorsements– $20 million of which comes just from a deal with Nike.

The original ‘Space Jam’ premiered at #1 at the box office and took in $230 million worldwide.  In addition to superstar Jordan, the movie featured other famous basketball players of the time, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Shawn Bradley, Larry Johnson and Muggsy Bogues.

The soundtrack spawned the Grammy-winning single ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ by R. Kelly.  Also included was the hit ‘Fly Like An Eagle’ by Seal as well as songs by Coolio, LL Cool J, Monica, Quad City DJs and more.

In addition to legendary ‘toons like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, and Tweety, ‘Space Jam’ introduced Lola Bunny, a character that has since popped up in additional WB cartoons.

Are you ready to Jam again?

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Jason still can’t figure out if Tweety Bird is supposed to be male or female.  Follow him on Twitter.