Space Jam was a childhood favorite of mine and many kids. A sequel to the instant classic was shelved after subsequent Loony Toons movies bombed. The franchise is being revived, this time with Lebron James being the front man, instead of Michael Jordan who is still alive and undoubtedly still good at basketball. Numerous movies have tried to capitalize off of nostalgia and multiple have failed, notably the Han Solo and Crimes of Grindelwald.
Part of the reason is that the NBA just is not that popular. Between ESPN’s over-promotion (because they overpaid for TV rights) and social media buzz, the NBA has pitiful rating by comparison. The Alliance of American Football debuted earlier this month and toppled the NBA in ratings, with very little promotion.
It’s also worth noting that LeBron James is extremely polarizing and marginalizes the target market. He just isn’t as likable as Michael Jordan, both a team player and a hard worker. I don’t think there are enough Bronsexuals to make this movie float. Expect a poor return. Enjoy the reactions, I’ve compiled.
hold on a second WHAT IF LEBRON IS GOING TO ANNOUNCE HIS DECISION IN SPACE JAM 2
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) February 22, 2019
Space Jam 2? I'll stick with the original, thank you. A sequel starring a phony goat cannot be as good.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 22, 2019
My personal favorite:
And he’s going to say he isn’t chasing MJ, lol. pic.twitter.com/NhxyPRSatr
— Joe (@Joe_AMMO) February 22, 2019
Plot: Lebron teams up with the Looney Tunes crew, and when things don’t go his way he joins the MonStars, but it doesn’t work out there either.
— LC (@lcc552) February 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/highkin/status/1098774348049989633
LeBron releasing the Space Jam 2 date right before he begins heroically carrying the Lakers to the playoffs is next-level marketing.
— Thomas Duffy (@TJDhoops) February 22, 2019
REPORT: During Space Jam 2, LeBron will place both Bugs Bunny and Lola Bunny on the trade block in an attempt to land Anthony Davis for the Tune Squad
— NOTSportsCenter (@NOTSportsCenter) February 22, 2019
Me in theaters waiting for space jam 2 🤠 pic.twitter.com/L5du3RIkYH
— Bryson.B (@Therealspiffy_) February 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/jtylerconway/status/1098776977820008452
