LeBron James nabs Ryan Coogler to produce 'Space Jam' sequel, report says

SpringHill Entertainment teased a preview Wednesday on Twitter, confirming the "Black Panther" director has joined the "Space Jam 2" team.

LeBron James speaking at the opening ceremony for the 'I Promise' School in Ohio.

The long-awaited sequel to "Space Jam" is one step closer to becoming a reality.

SpringHill Entertainment teased a preview Wednesday announcing the team that will tackle "Space Jam 2" and confirmed an earlier report that LeBron James nabbed "Black Panther" director Ryan Coogler as a producer. Terence Nance is set to direct the film, while James will star in his first leading role.

Coogler made history this year as "Black Panther" totaled $1.34 billion at the global box office to become the highest grossing film ever made by a black director.

"I loved his vision for Black Panther. So for Ryan to be able to bring that to kids, it’s amazing," James told the Hollywood reporter.

James, who noted there were no black superheroes when he was a kid growing up in Akron, Ohio, is eager to create a film that makes kids feel strong and confident.

 

"The Space Jam collaboration is so much more than just me and the Looney Tunes getting together and doing this movie," James said.

"It's so much bigger. I'd just love for kids to understand how empowered they can feel and how empowered they can be if they don't just give up on their dreams. And I think Ryan did that for a lot of people."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, production is expected to begin in 2019 during the NBA offseason.