When us basketball fans are not talking about the NBA Playoffs, we’re either talking about what could happen in the offseason and of course, the possibility of a sequel to ‘Space Jam’.
For years we have seen edits of LeBron James, being teased about the small chance that there might be a modern day remake of the 90’s classic. For years it has been an idea, but now it’s suddenly possible.
‘Space Jam 2’ could be in the horizon whether we like it or not. But the director of the original, Joe Pytka, strongly advises against tampering with the classic film.
As for the sequel, the original film’s director Joe Pytka has this advice: “Don’t do it. It’s doomed. Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet.”
His point being that James already has been eclipsed by Steph Curry, and it will be at least two years before the film can be completed. “When we did Space Jam, there was a perfect storm of players and ex-players available — Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing,” says Pytka. “They all had a persona that complemented the film. There are none around like that now.”
That’s a good point. There may have been several great players in the film, but we all knew back then and today that Michael Jordan was better than all of them. That’s the basis of the film really, Michael Jordan beating an exaggerated version of the other players.
LeBron James can’t do that now. With the rise of Stephen Curry and the other superstars seemingly on LeBron’s level, it doesn’t work.
But then again, the story might be different. That’s why remakes are the longest of long shots. When you mess with classics people immediately get weary that you’re going to ruin it.
Personally I think this should’ve just stayed a dream that we wanted a few years ago, it’s too late now.
