The director of “Space Jam” has warned against making a sequel to the movie, which is already in the works.
Joe Pytka, who directed “Space Jam,” told The Hollywood Reporter that he does not think there are the kinds of basketball stars and personalities who will have the same appeal Michael Jordan had.
“Don’t do it. It’s doomed. Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet,” Pytka told THR.
Though Jordan was that big of a star, one could argue that LeBron James, who will star in the remake, is equally as big. James has played in six NBA Finals and won four MVP awards. He is also a global icon just like MJ. But Pytka’s point is somewhat valid, as Steph Curry is arguably surpassing James as the best player in the sport. If the film takes a few years to be made, by that point James might be even less of a star.
In Pytka’s eyes, it’s not even solely about the star; the athletes in the supporting cast are also critical.
“When we did Space Jam, there was a perfect storm of players and ex-players available — Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing,” Pytka told The Hollywood Reporter. “They all had a persona that complemented the film. There are none around like that now.”
Does Pytka have a valid point? Possibly. Or maybe this is just more of the same type of thinking that led Tracy McGrady to say the current league is “watered down.”
Perhaps we’ll see whether Pytka’s words come true when the movie comes out. “Space Jam” was a big hit at the box office, and the power of Michael Jordan was a huge reason why. James may not be able to replicate that.
H/T Diamond Leung
