All summer, questions surroundedLeBron James. In sports circles, everyone wondered who he’d recruit the Lakers, ultimately winding up withAnthony DavisandDeMarcus Cousins. For those of us who give equal merit to LeBron’s movie career, the question was, who would join him inSpace Jam 2. We’re still waiting for confirmation on which NBA stars will lace up for the sequel (it is a sequel, right?), but LeBron does have his first Oscar-nominated co-star, asDon Cheadlehas signed on to play an undisclosed role in the follow-up to the 1996 movie that pairedMichael Jordanwith Bugs Bunny.
Terence Nanceis directing the Warner Bros. movie, which has been described as a reboot of the studio’s classicLooney Tunesfranchise.Ryan Coogleris producing alongside James and his SpringHill Entertainment partnerMaverick Carter, as well asDuncan Henderson.Justin Linis executive producing withSev OhanianandJamal Henderson.
Will Cheadle be this movie’s Bill Murray? Will he be a coach, or, in the ultimate power move, could he be playing an owner? Either way, Cheadle’s appearance inSpace Jam 2is more than welcome on this end, because we don’t see early enough of him on the big screen outside of an iron suit. Cheadle is one of America’s finest actors, and if you look at his feature output this decade, he has appeared insevenMarvel movies, three non-Marvel movies –Miles Ahead,FlightandThe Guard– and aKevin Hartconcert film, in which he played himself.
I suppose that makes me even more grateful for Showtime, which has been keeping him busy of late. I’m exaggerating here, but I must be one of 10 people watchingBlack Monday, the ’80s comedy starring Cheadle an an eccentric Wall Street hustler. I never really took to Cheadle’s Marty Katz on his previous Showtime series,House of Lies, but his performance as the unpredictable Mo Monroe onBlack Mondayis a joy to behold. If Cheadle keeps this up, Mo could join the haloed Showtime ranks of Nancy, Hank and Dexter, so if you haven’t given that series a chance yet, I suggest you check it out – though I fully admit, it’s not for everyone.
Cheadle is coming off of the box office behemothAvengers: Endgame,and he’ll soon be seen in the second season ofBlack Monday, which will debut in early 2020. He’s also set to star alongsideEmily MortimerandHelena Howardin the upcoming sci-fi drama seriesDon’t Look Deeperthat will debut onJeffrey Katzenberg’s short-form video platform Quibi.
Space Jam 2is currently in production, and Warner Bros. will release the movie in the middle of the NBA off-season on July 14, 2025. Who knows–LeBron could have two more rings by then, and War Machine could have his own Disney+ series. Deadline broke the news of Cheadle’s casting.
