Original 'Space Jam' Director Calls Planned Sequel Starring LeBron James 'Doomed'

Earlier in May, the Hollywood Reporter let us all know that a new Space Jam film starring Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James was going to move forward. They reported that the film will be directed by Justin Lin. Lin directed the upcoming Star Trek Beyond and four installments of the Fast & Furious franchise so he’s proven himself to be a guy you hand blockbuster sequels to. Space Jam should be a walk in the park for him, right? Wrong! At least according to the director of the 1996 original, Joe Pytka.

Talking to the Reporter, Pytka warned, “Don’t do it. It’s doomed. Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet.“

You know, Pytka has a point. If you ignore LeBron’s 12 All-Star appearances; four MVP awards; Kia, Nike, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Samsung endorsements; and his prominent role in the hit comedy Trainwreck, he’s basically just some guy from Ohio.

Pytka opined, “When we did Space Jam, there was a perfect storm of players and ex-players available — Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing. They all had a persona that complemented the film. There are none around like that now.”

Truth is, if they can get them, there are plenty of big names available: Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Durant have fame and charisma that extend beyond the court. Pytka is a seasoned and accomplished director who recently won a lifetime achievement award from the DGA, so his opinion shouldn’t be immediately dismissed. But doomed? Really?

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What do you think? Do you think the new Space Jam is doomed? Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram — or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Khail Anonymous, on Twitter.