“Space Jam Two” – also known as “Space Jam: A New Legacy”  – is a sequel of the renowned 1996 movie “Space Jam,” which featured NBA legend Michael Jordan and is widely considered the greatest basketball movie of all time. “Space Jam Two” will have NBA superstar LeBron James as its headliner, along with the cast of Looney Tunes and some other NBA and WNBA stars as well, likening it to the original release 24 years ago. Reportedly, James wants to recreate the popularity of the original “Space Jam” for a new generation. Whether this does or doesn’t mean that the new film will incorporate any plot similarities to “Space Jam” is still up in the air, as nothing official has been released as it pertains to the plot of “Space Jam Two.”

Unsurprisingly, this has sparked debates on whether or not the sequel will be a knock-off of the original. The continuous comparison between the two basketball legends (James and Jordan) and their greatness has seemingly carried over into the movie industry. Critics have complained that James is trying to copy or out-do Jordan with the new film.

This, however, couldn’t be further from the truth. James, rather, is trying to inspire a new generation of children who look up to him just like Jordan had done with the 1990s original release. Across the world, millions of people will tune in to watch James on the big screen. For those who had grown up in the 80s or 90s era, the film will create a sense of nostalgia. In the 1990s, Jordan was looked up to as a superhero, and in the film, it was fitting that only he could save the world against a group of evil aliens with his basketball prowess. “Jordan and the Looney Tunes were iconic figures back in the 1990s,” Junior Sam Stovin said. “Jordan’s popularity left a lasting impact on that generation with “Space Jam,” and I think LeBron has the opportunity to do the same with Space Jam Two.”

With the release of “Space Jam: A New Legacy” on July 16th, 2021, James will function as the same superhero for a new generation. Instead of trying to copy or out-do Michael Jordan, LeBron James is simply continuing on a new legacy.