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LeBron James on Starring in ‘Space Jam 2’: ‘I’m Truly Grateful and Beyond Blessed’

June 29, 2019
Written by DiversityInc Staff

“Space Jam 2,” the second installment of the classic Michael Jordan-Bugs Bunny part-animated 1996 film, will star LeBron James.

Filming is underway and video obtained by TMZ from the set shows James with his newest Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis.

Other NBA buddies, including Damian Lillard and Klay Thompson, will also have a cameo appearance in the film.

James shared on Monday his thoughts about starring in “Space Jam 2”:

Man this really just hit me! I’m really shooting Space Jam 2!! This is so surreal and doesn’t even make sense to me! Where I come from man and what I saw growing up this doesn’t add up to me! ??‍♂️! I’m truly grateful and beyond blessed. This is CRAZINESS. ? ? ? ???
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 25, 2019

In 1995, when Michael Jordan filmed “Space Jam,” Warner Bros. built him a basketball court on the film set so that he could continue to practice in the off-season.

Back in 1995, Warner Bros built the “Jordan Dome” on the set of Space Jam, for Michael and players to play pickup games and work out during the movie’s filming. pic.twitter.com/3TK7iTBrw4
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) June 23, 2019

James followed in Jordan’s footsteps and will be practicing on a full-size basketball court while filming.

The Space Jam 2 workout court for players is set up at NBA superfan Jimmy Goldstein’s house in LA, featuring LeBron James’ logo. pic.twitter.com/zmkNYoahoh
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) June 23, 2019

James mentioned in his tweet on Monday that it’s surreal for him to be starring in the film considering the challenges he faced when growing up in Akron, Ohio. The NBA star, entrepreneur and philanthropist, hasn’t forgotten where he came from and continues to pay it forward.

He announced in May that he would provide a $1 million grant to promote physical activity for students at I Promise School in Akron, which opened in July 2018. In April, the students exceeded expectations on their first district assessment — 90 percent met or exceeded individual growth goals in reading and math.

I Promise, a public school for at-risk students, is also funded by James’ foundation, which has resulted in additional teaching staff and after-school programs and tutors. I Promise does not just serve its students, it provides families with a resource center funded by James.

“Space Jam 2” will be released in 2021.