'Space Jam 2' director leaves 3 weeks after LeBron James announced production had begun
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Stop us if you have heard this before. A LeBron James production is swapping out decision-makers.
Terence Nance, the director of “Space Jam 2” starring James, is exiting the project and will be replaced by veteran comedy director Malcolm D. Lee, according to Deadline.
Per the report, Nance’s departure was described as “amicable,” with the crux of the split being the director and studio/producers having different creative visions for the project.
‘Space Jam 2’ production has already begun
Nance is exiting three weeks after James proudly announced production on “Space Jam 2” had begun, though the movie is clearly dealing with an unusual shooting schedule due to having to work around the busy lives of several NBA and WNBA stars.
Man this really just hit me! I’m really shooting Space Jam 2!! This is so surreal and doesn’t even make sense to me! Where I come from man and what I saw growing up this doesn’t add up to me! 🤦🏾♂️! I’m truly grateful and beyond blessed. This is CRAZINESS. 🏀 🐰 🎥 👑🙏🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 25, 2019
Just last week, Deadline reported that Don Cheadle had joined the project.
James’ Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard, Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson, Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi and Los Angeles Sparks power forward Nneka Ogwumike are all reported to occupy “key roles” in the movie. You could assume that means they’ll be the five players to have their talents stolen in the movie.
With the NBA offseason still ongoing, Thompson was seen on set during filming early in production.
Lee, the new director of the movie, holds several comedy directing credits that go as far back as 1999. His two most recent productions are 2018’s “Night School,” starring Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish, and 2017’s “Girls Trip,” starring Haddish and Regina Hall. Both films were box-office successes.
With Lee now onboard and working with James’ SpringHill Entertainment, “Space Jam 2” is still scheduled for its far-away July 16, 2021 release date.
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