Exclusive: Malcolm D. Lee on directing LeBron James in Space Jam: A New Legacy
Currently in theaters and on HBO Max from Warner Bros. is Space Jam: A New Legacy, directed by Malcolm D. Lee and starring NBA champion and global icon LeBron James as he goes on an epic adventure alongside timeless Tune Bugs Bunny in the animated/live-action event. Space Jam: A New Legacy, from director Malcolm D. Lee and an innovative filmmaking team including Ryan Coogler and Maverick Carter.
James stars alongside Oscar nominee Don Cheadle, Sonequa Martin-Green, Khris Davis, newcomer Cedric Joe, Jeff Bergman (Looney Tunes Cartoons) and Eric Bauza (Looney Tunes Cartoons).
This transformational journey is a manic mashup of two worlds that reveals just how far some parents will go to connect with their kids. When LeBron and his young son Dom are trapped in a digital space by a rogue A.I., LeBron must get them home safe by leading Bugs, Lola Bunny and the whole gang of notoriously undisciplined Looney Tunes to victory over the A.I.’s digitized champions on the court: a powered-up roster of professional basketball stars as you’ve never seen them before. It’s Tunes versus Goons in the highest-stakes challenge of his life, that will redefine LeBron’s bond with his son and shine a light on the power of being yourself. The ready-for-action Tunes destroy convention, supercharge their unique talents and surprise even “King” James by playing the game their own way.
For Malcolm D. Lee, having done box office hits with The Best Man, The Best Man Holiday and Girls Trip among his film credits, this Space Jam represents a new territory for him in his filmmaking career. Not only is he doing his first hydrid (animation and live-action), but he’s working with one of the greatest athletes in his first lead role. LeBron James has acted before in Trainwreck but here, he’s front and center with more to do and with all eyes on him. BlackFilmandTV.com’s Wilson Morales spoke with Lee on directing James, working with CGI and carrying the legacy left by Michael Jordan.