Which NBA players will star in 'Space Jam: A New Legacy'?
The long-awaited Space Jam sequel will see Lebron James replace Michael Jordan, but which other NBA and WNBA stars will appear in the new movie?
After nearly a quarter of a century, the sequel to classic intergalactic basketball escapade Space Jam is released with new superstars on the court. The movie will be available to stream in the United States from Friday 16 July and is being shown in cinemas across the world.
The original 1996 movie starred the legendary Michael Jordan in the lead role, and the 2021 version sees MJ replaced by a new icon: Lebron James. Once again the NBA superstar will be teaming up with the Loony Toons to battle an existential threat on the court.
Just like in the original the opposition, this time named the Goon Squad, will be based on real-life NBA and WNBA players who have lent their likeness and voices to the characters. So who are the other basketball stars to feature in Space Jam: A New Legacy?
The Brow – Anthony Davis
One of the more recognisable players to find their way into the movies is Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis, who was one of Lebron’s real-life teammates when they won the 2020 NBA Finals together. Davis is known for his famous uni-brow and it is no surprise to see his half-human/half-bird character is built on his “Fear the brow” catchphrase.
Chronos – Damian Lillard
Another character based on the player’s real-life nickname is Chronos, who sports a large clock on his left shoulder in reference to Damian Lillard’s moniker “Dame Time”. Lillard has played for the Portland Trail Blazers since being drafted in 2012 and has since become a six-time All-Star pick.
⌚️It’s About That Time. #SpaceJamMovie drops next Friday, but you can sign up to get your Spalding x Space Jam Goon Squad ‘Glow’ 🏀 now.
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 10, 2021
🛒 https://t.co/Tapol0FnqZ pic.twitter.com/z5d083g70W
White Mamba – Diana Taurasi
The White Mamba is played by Diana Taurasi, who joined Phoenix as the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA draft and has played there ever since. With that longevity she is considered one of the greatest female players of all time and was given her “White Mamba” nickname by Kobe Bryant.
Wet-Fire – Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson has formed a formidable partnership on the court with Stephen Curry, earning the pair the nickname of “the Splash Brothers”. In Space Jam, Thompson’s character Wet-Fire is able to control both water and fire, possibly a nod to his red-hot shooting.
The Goon Squad is lacing up for Friday 😈 pic.twitter.com/5rdKKYmjAn
— B/R Kicks (@brkicks) July 15, 2021
Arachnneka – Nneka Ogwumike
The final basketball star to feature in the new movie is Nneka Ogwumike, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA. Her name ‘Arachnneka’ includes her first name and is a reference to her spider-like abilities on the court. The character boasts multiple hands so expect her to be a demon on the rebounds, blocking the Toon Squad’s attacks on her own.