ESPN Sources Says No 'Space Jam 2' Planned; LeBron James Himself Shoots Down Report Too

You were so excited. Deadline reported late on Friday that development would begin on the sequel to the 1996 animated/live-action “Looney Tunes“-centered hit “Space Jam” as a starring vehicle for Miami Heat star LeBron James. But ESPN writer threw cold water on the report the same evening. See the tweet below.

While the animated toon is well-remembered and perhaps adored by anyone who didn’t grow up with “Looney Tunes” during the Mel Blanc era, “Space Jam” didn’t even break $100 million domestically during the day and only grossed $230 million in 1996 worldwide. Adjusted for inflation, that’s $343.5 million in 2014 dollars, but it’s still a far cry from a major hit when you consider the $100+ million budgets, P&A and the grosses of major animated family fare these days.

Deadline reported that Charlie and Willie Ebersol were working on a script, however a person with knowledge of the situation told USA Today Sports’ Sam Amick that James has had no discussions about participating in any “Space Jam” sequels. And LeBron confirmed all that shooting down the report, though not ruling the idea out entirely. In an interview with the Sun Sentinel, the reigning MVP and and two-time champion himself said, “It’s news to me. I haven’t heard anything about it. Like I said, I’ve always loved ‘Space Jam.’ It was one of my favorite movies growing up. If I have the opportunity, it will be great.” Cart before the horse? Sounds like one hand not talking to the other or producers with an idea that hasn’t fully been brought to the table.