Space Jam: A New Legacy#Marketing

In 1998, a young LeBron James attends a youth league basketball game. His friend Malik gives him a Game Boy, which LeBron plays with until the coach demands that he concentrate on the basketball. LeBron misses a potential buzzer beater and is reprimanded for not staying focused. Ashamed, he discards the Game Boy.

In the present day, LeBron encourages his sons, Darius and Dominic, to pursue basketball careers. While his attempts with Darius are successful, Dominic ("Dom") aspires to become a video game developer. LeBron, Malik, and Dom are later invited to Warner Bros. Studios to discuss a film deal. LeBron rejects the idea while Dom is interested in the studio's software, particularly its AI, Al-G Rhythm. Dom and LeBron argue, with the latter revealing resentment towards his father's advice. Having become self-aware and desiring more recognition in the world, Al-G lures LeBron and Dom to the server room and traps them in the digital world "Warner Bros. Serververse".

Al-G takes Dom prisoner and orders LeBron to form a basketball team to compete against his own, only earning his freedom if he wins, before sending him to Tune World. LeBron finds Tune World abandoned except for Bugs Bunny, who explains that Al-G persuaded the other Looney Tunes to leave their world and explore the Serververse. Using Marvin's spacecraft, the two travel to various worlds to locate and recruit the other Looney Tunes to form the Tune Squad. Meanwhile, Al-G manipulates Dom into recreating his basketball-based video game, Dom Ball, inside the Serververse. The two create a highly powerful team which Al-G intends to use against LeBron.

In Tune World, despite Bugs's protests, LeBron insists on teaching the Tune Squad the fundamentals of basketball. They encounter Al-G's team, the Goon Squad, composed of avatars of real basketball players and led by Dom. Al-G transforms Tune World into CGI, live streams the game and abducts real-world people, including LeBron's family, into the Serververse. Al-G threatens to delete the Looney Tunes and imprison the spectators permanently if the Goon Squad wins.

The Goon Squad use superpowers to score extreme "style points", ending the first half with a 1039–37 lead. LeBron realizes his mistake and allows the Looney Tunes to use their cartoon physics during the second half. They rally and take the lead. During a time-out, LeBron apologizes to Dom for not listening to his ideas. Dom forgives LeBron and joins the Tune Squad.

Al-G takes control of the game and demonstrates the new ability to undo Tune scoring, effectively dooming any further efforts. With ten seconds left in the game, the Tune Squad is down by 1 and calls time-out. LeBron recalls a bug in Dom Ball's code, where a character is deleted and the game crashes after a specific move is performed. He volunteers to perform the move, uncertainly declaring that he can't be deleted due to being a real person. However, Bugs intercepts a pass and does the move himself, sacrificing his life. Bugs, Al-G and the Goon Squad are all deleted as LeBron scores the winning point with Dom's help. The Looney Tunes and the Serververse are restored and LeBron, his family and the other real-world spectators are returned to their world.

One week later, LeBron, respecting Dom's wishes, allows him to attend the E3 Game Design Camp. He subsequently encounters Bugs, who reveals that his cartoon physics allowed him to regenerate and that his friends have also entered the real world. LeBron, having accepted the Looney Tunes as his extended family, allows them to live with him temporarily.

• LeBron James as himself; James also voices his animated counterpart.
• Stephen Kankole as 13-year-old LeBron James
• Don Cheadle as Al-G Rhythm, a self-aware and deceitful AI who presides over the Warner Bros. Serververse.{{cite web|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=July 11, 2019|title=Don Cheadle Jumps Into Warner Bros.' 'Space Jam 2'|url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/don-cheadle-space-jam-2-cast-lebron-james-1202645143/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908015250/https://deadline.com/2019/07/don-cheadle-space-jam-2-cast-lebron-james-1202645143/|archive-date=September 8, 2020|access-date=October 25, 2019|website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{Cite news|last=El-Mahmoud|first=Sarah|date=March 27, 2020|title=Looks Like Don Cheadle's Space Jam 2 Role Has Been Revealed|work=CinemaBlend|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2493473/looks-like-don-cheadles-space-jam-2-role-has-been-revealed|url-status=live|access-date=July 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726032557/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2493473/looks-like-don-cheadles-space-jam-2-role-has-been-revealed|archive-date=July 26, 2020}}{{cite web|date=December 14, 2020|title=Don Cheadle: Learn to Code with Space Jam: A New Legacy|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFmm1TuKy6U|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112094622/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFmm1TuKy6U|archive-date=January 12, 2021|access-date=December 14, 2020|website=YouTube}} Cheadle also voices Al-G Rhythm's computerized form. Cheadle was a fan of Michael Jordan, the original film and the Looney Tunes cartoons, so he accepted the role once it was pitched to him.{{cite magazine|last=Lawrence|first=Derek|title=Space Jam: A New Legacy star Don Cheadle dishes on playing LeBron James' A.I. nemesis|url=https://ew.com/movies/space-jam-new-legacy-don-cheadle-interview/|access-date=October 9, 2021|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309233730/https://ew.com/movies/space-jam-new-legacy-don-cheadle-interview/|url-status=live}}
• Cedric Joe as Dominic "Dom" James, LeBron's younger son and an aspiring video game developer.
• Sonequa Martin-Green as Kamiyah James, LeBron's wife.{{cite web|last=Hemmert|first=Kylie|date=March 27, 2019|title=Sonequa Martin-Green joins LeBron James in Space Jam 2|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1054055-sonequa-martin-green-joins-lebron-james-space-jam-2|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630010254/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1054055-sonequa-martin-green-joins-lebron-james-space-jam-2|archive-date=June 30, 2020|access-date=June 26, 2019|website=ComingSoon.net}}{{Cite magazine|last=Lawrence|first=Derek|date=March 4, 2021|title=Dream Team: LeBron James joins the Tune Squad in Space Jam: A New Legacy first look|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url=https://ew.com/movies/space-jam-new-legacy-cover-lebron-james/|url-status=live|access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304160514/https://ew.com/movies/space-jam-new-legacy-cover-lebron-james/|archive-date=March 4, 2021}}
• Khris Davis as Malik, LeBron's childhood friend and business associate
• Jalyn Hall as 13-year-old Malik
• Ceyair Wright as Darius James, LeBron's elder son.{{cite web|last=Sondheimer|first=Eric|date=August 13, 2019|title=Loyola's Ceyair Wright is playing LeBron James' son in 'Space Jam 2'|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/story/2019-08-12/ceyair-wright-lebron-james-space-jam-2|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822172818/https://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/story/2019-08-12/ceyair-wright-lebron-james-space-jam-2|archive-date=August 22, 2019|access-date=October 25, 2019|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}
• Harper Leigh Alexander as Xosha James, LeBron's daughter.
• Ernie Johnson as himself, working as a commentator during the game between the Tune Squad and the Goon Squad.{{cite web|last=Flanagan|first=Ben|date=June 9, 2021|title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' trailer: Alabama's Sonequa Martin-Green teams with LeBron James|url=https://www.al.com/life/2021/06/space-jam-a-new-legacy-trailer-alabamas-sonequa-martin-green-teams-with-lebron-james.html|access-date=June 10, 2021|website=al|language=en|archive-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610010238/https://www.al.com/life/2021/06/space-jam-a-new-legacy-trailer-alabamas-sonequa-martin-green-teams-with-lebron-james.html|url-status=live}}
• Lil Rel Howery as himself, working with Johnson in commentating on the game.

Xosha Roquemore appears as Shanice James, LeBron's mother, Darius, Dom and Xosha's grandmother, and a fictionalized version of Gloria Marie James; Wood Harris appears as Coach C, LeBron's childhood coach; Sarah Silverman and Steven Yeun portray Warner Bros. executives; and Slink Johnson appears as a security guard. Basketball players Sue Bird, Draymond Green and A'ja Wilson cameo as themselves in a flashback in which Dom met them at a gathering attended by LeBron.

Michael B. Jordan cameos as himself, appearing as a visual gag where he is mistaken for Michael Jordan; this was teased by Cheadle prior to the film's release, who stated, "Michael Jordan is in the movie, but not in the way that you would expect it."{{cite web|title=Don Cheadle Says Michael Jordan Will Be In 'Space Jam 2:' "Not In The Way That You Would Expect'|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/don-cheadle-says-michael-jordan-202100148.html|date=May 11, 2021|access-date=July 16, 2021|website=yahoo.com|language=en-US|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514160859/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/don-cheadle-says-michael-jordan-202100148.html/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Khalifeh|first=Mona|title='Space Jam' Stars Don Cheadle and Cedric Joe Didn't Know Michael B. Jordan Would be in the Movie (Exclusive)|url=https://www.etonline.com/space-jam-stars-don-cheadle-and-cedric-joe-didnt-know-michael-b-jordan-would-be-in-the-movie-168180|access-date=July 6, 2021|website=www.etonline.com|date=June 30, 2021 |language=en-US|archive-date=July 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705173838/https://www.etonline.com/space-jam-stars-don-cheadle-and-cedric-joe-didnt-know-michael-b-jordan-would-be-in-the-movie-168180|url-status=live}} Michael B. Jordan was invited to appear in the film when he visited the set and hung out with James. Lee was interested in having Michael Jordan appear in a post-credits scene in a reference to The Last Dance; however, the idea never materialized.{{cite magazine|last=Lawrence|first=Derek|title=Here's the perfect Michael Jordan moment that didn't make it into Space Jam: A New Legacy|url=https://ew.com/movies/space-jam-new-legacy-director-postmortem/|access-date=October 9, 2021|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=July 17, 2021|archive-date=July 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719043027/https://ew.com/movies/space-jam-new-legacy-director-postmortem/|url-status=live}} Bill Murray, who appeared in the original film, makes a photographic cameo playing golf alongside Bugs Bunny in the credits. Travis Scott, Ronda Rousey, and Naomi Osaka also appear in the end credits.{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Michael|title='Space Jam 2' review: LeBron's in for Michael Jordan, and the audience is in for a pretty strange sequel|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/michael-phillips/sc-mov-space-jam-new-legacy-review-20210714-bc375udnlrf6rirrsteean5oku-story.html|access-date=July 17, 2021|work=Chicago Tribune|date=July 14, 2021|archive-date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717002950/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/michael-phillips/sc-mov-space-jam-new-legacy-review-20210714-bc375udnlrf6rirrsteean5oku-story.html|url-status=live}}

• Jeff Bergman as Bugs Bunny, Sylvester the Cat, Yosemite Sam, Yogi Bear, and Fred Flintstone{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jenna|date=October 1, 2020|title=Jeff Bergman Talks Our Cartoon President, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and More|work=ComicBook.com|url=https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/jeff-bergman-our-cartoon-president-interview-looney-tunes-space-jam/#8|url-status=live|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122194920/https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/jeff-bergman-our-cartoon-president-interview-looney-tunes-space-jam/#8|archive-date=January 22, 2021}}{{cite web|title=Space Jam: A New Legacy - Trailer 1|url=https://www.youtube.comwatch?v=olXYZOsXw_o|website=YouTube.com|publisher=Warner Bros.|access-date=April 3, 2021|archive-date=July 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715044321/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olXYZOsXw_o|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Marco|last=Oddo|title=New 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' Character Posters Present the Villainous Goon Squad|url=https://collider.com/space-jam-2-goon-squad-character-posters/|website=Collider|date=May 14, 2021|access-date=May 14, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514173846/https://collider.com/space-jam-2-goon-squad-character-posters/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pittmag.pitt.edu/news/making-good-impression|first=Susan|last=Wiedel|title=Making A Good Impression|website=Pitt Magazine|date=July 1, 2021|access-date=July 3, 2021|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629192533/https://www.pittmag.pitt.edu/news/making-good-impression|url-status=live}}
• Eric Bauza as Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Foghorn Leghorn, Elmer Fudd, and Marvin the Martian{{Cite news|last1=McLaughlin|first1=Reegan|last2=Ky|first2=Jenny|date=June 30, 2020|title=Voice actor Eric Bauza carries on the Looney Tunes legacy as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and more|work=The Morning Show|url=https://7news.com.au/the-morning-show/voice-actor-eric-bauza-carries-on-the-looney-tunes-legacy-as-bugs-bunny-daffy-duck-and-more-c-1135190|url-status=live|access-date=July 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710015307/https://7news.com.au/the-morning-show/voice-actor-eric-bauza-carries-on-the-looney-tunes-legacy-as-bugs-bunny-daffy-duck-and-more-c-1135190|archive-date=July 10, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://wsvn.com/entertainment/lebron-james-space-jam-castmates-dish-about-new-sequel-at-socal-party/|first=Lynn|last=Martinez|title=LeBron James, 'Space Jam' castmates dish about new sequel at SoCal party|website=WSVN 7News|date=July 2, 2021|access-date=July 3, 2021|archive-date=July 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703012658/https://wsvn.com/entertainment/lebron-james-space-jam-castmates-dish-about-new-sequel-at-socal-party/|url-status=live}}
• Zendaya{{efn|Kath Soucie, Lola Bunny's long-time voice actress, was initially announced to be reprising her role,{{cite web|last=Shifferaw|first=Abel|title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' Shares Sneak Peek Featuring LeBron James in Tune Squad Jersey|url=https://www.complex.com/sports/2020/08/space-jam-new-legacy-sneak-peek-lebron-james-tune-squad-jersey|date=August 17, 2020|access-date=April 30, 2021|website=Complex|language=en|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821001738/https://www.complex.com/sports/2020/08/space-jam-new-legacy-sneak-peek-lebron-james-tune-squad-jersey|url-status=live}} before Zendaya was cast as the character.{{Cite news|last=Fuentes|first=Tamara|date=April 5, 2021|title=Zendaya is Voicing Lola Bunny in "Space Jam: A New Legacy" in Surprising New Twist|work=Seventeen|url=https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/movies-tv/a36029424/zendaya-voicing-lola-bunny-space-jam-a-new-legacy/|url-status=live|access-date=April 5, 2021|archive-date=April 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405204521/https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/movies-tv/a36029424/zendaya-voicing-lola-bunny-space-jam-a-new-legacy/}}}} as Lola Bunny;{{Cite magazine|last=Lawrence|first=Derek|date=April 3, 2021|title=Zendaya to voice Lola Bunny in Space Jam: A New Legacy|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url=https://ew.com/genre/movies/zendaya-space-jam-new-legacy-lola-bunny/|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403190530/https://ew.com/genre/movies/zendaya-space-jam-new-legacy-lola-bunny/|archive-date=April 3, 2021}} Zendaya accepted Coogler's offer to star in the film because of her interest in working with Coogler and being a fan of the original film, in addition to her family's history with basketball.{{cite magazine|last=Lawrence|first=Derek|title=Zendaya talks voicing 'iconic' Lola Bunny, being surprised by controversy over new Space Jam look|url=https://ew.com/movies/zendaya-space-jam-lola-bunny-interview/|access-date=October 9, 2021|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=July 12, 2021|archive-date=July 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712170628/https://ew.com/movies/zendaya-space-jam-lola-bunny-interview/|url-status=live}}
• Bob Bergen as Tweety;{{Cite tweet |number=1378013318049230849 |user=bobbergen |title=Ooh, wook what I taw |first=Bob |last=Bergen |access-date=April 2, 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402155619/https://twitter.com/BobBergen/status/1378013318049230849 |archive-date=2021-04-02 |url-status=live |url=https://twitter.com/bobbergen/status/1378013318049230849}} Bergen is the only cast member from the first film to reprise his role.
• Candi Milo as Granny{{cite web|title=Candi Milo on Instagram: "#spacejamanewlegacy @bauzilla @collettesunderman @bergen.bob #gameon #grannygotgametho"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CNOs5kypPDI/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CNOs5kypPDI |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|access-date=April 5, 2021|website=Instagram|language=en}}{{cbignore}}
• Gabriel Iglesias as Speedy Gonzales;{{Cite tweet |number=1368379750587064322 |user=fluffyguy |title=I am the voice of Speedy Gonzales in the new Space Jam. Does this mean they are gonna try to cancel Fluffy too? U can't catch me cancel culture. I'm the fastest mouse in all of Mexico |access-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501162841/https://twitter.com/fluffyguy/status/1368379750587064322 |archive-date=May 1, 2021 |url-status=live |last=Iglesias |first=Gabriel |url=https://twitter.com/fluffyguy/status/1368379750587064322}}{{cite web|title=Comedian And Entrepreneur Gabriel Iglesias Talks 'Mr. Iglesias' And His 2020 Plan B|last=Thompson|first=Simon|date=December 7, 2020|website=Forbes|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonthompson/2020/12/07/comedian-and-entrepreneur-gabriel-iglesias-talks-mr-iglesias-and-his-2020-plan-b/?sh=504ac8187750|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131182101/https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonthompson/2020/12/07/comedian-and-entrepreneur-gabriel-iglesias-talks-mr-iglesias-and-his-2020-plan-b/?sh=504ac8187750|archive-date=January 31, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}} Iglesias, a longtime fan of the character, expressed excitement at being cast as Speedy. When the crew asked him if he wanted to change Speedy's voice from the traditional delivery, Iglesias decided against it, saying, "When people think of Speedy Gonzales, I don't want them to think of me, I want them to think of Speedy Gonzales."{{cite news|last=Parker|first=Ryan|title=Gabriel Iglesias says his casting as Speedy Gonzales in 'Space jam 2' was "big brown shield" for Warner Bros.|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gabriel-iglesias-casting-as-speedy-gonzales-in-space-jam-2-was-big-brown-shield-for-warner-bros-1234996624/|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 12, 2021}}
• Fred Tatasciore as Taz{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/shop/watch-space-jam-a-new-legacy-hbo-max-1234651673/|title=How to Watch "Space Jam: A New Legacy" From Your Couch|website=IndieWire|first=Latifah|last=Muhammad|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=July 16, 2021|archive-date=July 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716183237/https://www.indiewire.com/shop/watch-space-jam-a-new-legacy-hbo-max-1234651673/|url-status=live}}
• Jim Cummings provided additional uncredited vocal effects for Taz.{{Cite tweet |number=1367683081721638913 |user=jimcummingsacme |title=Game on! And as Taz would say "@&*#&%!" |access-date=March 4, 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409120411/https://twitter.com/Jimcummingsacme/status/1367683081721638913 |archive-date=2021-04-09 |url-status=live |last=Cummings |first=Jim |url=https://twitter.com/jimcummingsacme/status/1367683081721638913}}
• Paul Julian as the Road Runner (archive recordings, uncredited){{cite web|date=June 9, 2021|title=Space Jam: A New Legacy – Trailer 2|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCsEKvz2mxs|access-date=June 25, 2021|website=YouTube|language=en-US|archive-date=June 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625132417/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCsEKvz2mxs|url-status=live}}
• Anthony Davis as The Brow, a blue member of the Goon Squad and avatar of Davis with prehensile bald eagle-like wings instead of arms.{{cite web |last=Conway |first=Tyler |title=Report: Space Jam 2 Will Star Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson, More |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2841919-report-space-jam-2-will-star-damian-lillard-anthony-davis-klay-thompson-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822172623/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2841919-report-space-jam-2-will-star-damian-lillard-anthony-davis-klay-thompson-more |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |date=June 19, 2019 |access-date=October 25, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} The character is named after one of Davis's nicknames.
• Damian Lillard as Chronos, a gold robotic Goon Squad member and avatar of Lillard who can manipulate time. The character is inspired by Lillard's nickname "Dame Time".
• Klay Thompson as Wet-Fire, an elemental member of the Goon Squad and avatar of Thompson who possesses aquakinetic and pyrokinetic abilities in his two respective forms similar to Hydro-Man and Human Torch while also being able to combine those abilities like when he gave a fiery thumbs up in his water form.{{cite web|last=Bradley|first=Dan|date=April 19, 2021|title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' Funko Pop! Pre-Orders Include LeBron James|url=https://www.thehdroom.com/offbeat/space-jam-a-new-legacy-funko-pop-pre-orders-include-lebron-james-139531/|access-date=April 27, 2021|website=TheHDRoom|language=en-US|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427071839/https://www.thehdroom.com/offbeat/space-jam-a-new-legacy-funko-pop-pre-orders-include-lebron-james-139531/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Cash|first=Meredith|title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' trailer Easter eggs include NBA and WNBA stars facing LeBron James as part of the Goon Squad|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/aposspace-jam-a-new-legacyapos-trailer-easter-eggs-include-nba-and-wnba-stars-facing-lebron-james-as-part-of-the-goon-squad/slidelist/81922397.cms|date=April 6, 2021|access-date=April 28, 2021|website=Business Insider|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428055739/https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/aposspace-jam-a-new-legacyapos-trailer-easter-eggs-include-nba-and-wnba-stars-facing-lebron-james-as-part-of-the-goon-squad/slidelist/81922397.cms|url-status=live}} The character is inspired in part by the "Splash Brothers" nickname given to the duo of Thompson and Stephen Curry. The water powers represent his ability to shoot threes and the fire represents him going all out when he plays.
• Nneka Ogwumike as Arachnneka, a red and black member of the Goon Squad and avatar of Ogwumike with a spider-like appearance and abilities.
• Diana Taurasi as White Mamba, a Nāga-like member of the Goon Squad and avatar of Taurasi. The character is inspired by Taurasi's eponymous nickname.
• Rosario Dawson as Wonder Woman, a DC Comics superhero and Amazon who mentors Lola and oversees the latter's trial. Dawson reprises her role from the DC Animated Movie Universe.
• Justin Roiland as Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, who experiment on Taz before returning him to Bugs.
• Eric Bauza, Kimberly Brooks, Nik Shriner, and Shelby Young as Additional Voices{{cite web|title=Voice Over Actor|url=https://www.nicholasshriner.com/voiceover|publisher=Nik Shriner|access-date=October 29, 2023}}{{cite web|title=RESUME|url=https://www.shelby-young.com/resume|publisher=Shelby Young|access-date=October 29, 2023}}

In addition to voicing and providing motion capture for the Goon Squad, Davis, Lillard, Thompson, Ogwumike, and Taurasi appear as themselves in live-action cameos when Dom meets them at a gathering attended by LeBron.

Looney Tunes characters who appear in non-speaking roles include Wile E. Coyote, Gossamer, K-9, Beaky Buzzard, Cecil Turtle, Charlie Dog, The Three Bears, The Crusher, Witch Hazel, Sam Sheepdog, Rocky and Mugsy, Playboy Penguin, and Nasty Canasta.{{cite web|last=Morrison|first=Matt|date=April 19, 2021|title=Space Jam 2: Every Warner Bros Character & World Confirmed (So Far)|url=https://screenrant.com/space-jam-2-every-warner-bros-character-franchise-reference/|access-date=April 28, 2021|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428044235/https://screenrant.com/space-jam-2-every-warner-bros-character-franchise-reference/|url-status=live}} Penelope Pussycat was present in the film's merchandising and advertising as part of the Tune Squad, but did not appear in the film proper.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBGKJV6E_QQ |title=SPACE JAM 2 A NEW LEGACY First Look Trailer (NEW 2021) LeBron James, Animated Movie HD |date=December 14, 2020 |access-date=October 9, 2021 |language=English |publisher=YouTube}}

The Nerdlucks, the main antagonists of the original film, appear as spectators during the game via archive footage. James confirmed prior to its release that their Monstars forms would not appear in the film.{{cite web|last=Scott|first=Ryan|title=Monstars Won't Return in Space Jam 2: A New Legacy Says LeBron James|url=https://movieweb.com/space-jam-2-a-new-legacy-monstars-lebron-james/|access-date=April 30, 2021|website=MovieWeb|date=December 8, 2020|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126144928/https://movieweb.com/space-jam-2-a-new-legacy-monstars-lebron-james/|url-status=live}}

As the Warner Bros. Serververse prominently features, the film incorporates numerous cameo appearances and references to other Warner Bros. properties depicted as planets. Properties directly named among the planets, and represented by cameos in the Serververse and the crowd scenes for the game, include Game of Thrones, Mad Max, The Matrix, Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, The Wizard of Oz, King Kong, The Iron Giant, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, Smallfoot, Rick and Morty, Austin Powers, Wild Wild West, ThunderCats, multiple Hanna-Barbera cartoon series, multiple DC Universe properties, It, The Mask, The Wild Bunch, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Beetlejuice, 300, The Devils, Gremlins, Animaniacs, A Clockwork Orange, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and The Goonies''. The film also includes references to its standalone predecessor.{{cite web |url=https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/space-jam-a-new-legacy-original-movie-references |title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' Isn't A Sequel, But It Does Honor The Original |last=Igoe|first=Katherine J.|date=2021-07-17|website=Bustle|publisher=Bustle Digital Group

|access-date=2022-01-20}}{{cite web |url=https://slate.com/culture/2021/07/space-jam-a-new-legacy-viewing-guide-children-clockwork-orange-devils-baby-jane.html|title=A Child's Guide to the Space Jam Cinematic Universe|last=Dessem|first=Matthew|date=2021-07-19|website=Slate|access-date=2023-10-27}}

A sequel to Space Jam was planned as early as 1996, shortly after the original film was released in theaters worldwide. As development began, Space Jam 2 was going to involve a new basketball competition with Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes and Berserk-O!, a new alien villain who was planned to be voiced by Mel Brooks. Artist Bob Camp was tasked with designing Berserk-O! and his two henchmen, and with the proposed casting in mind, Camp designed Berserk-O! to resemble Brooks. Joe Pytka would have returned to direct while Tony Cervone signed on to return as animation director, this time joined by his creative partner Spike Brandt instead of Bruce W. Smith. However, Jordan did not agree to star in a sequel. According to Camp, a producer lied to the studio by claiming that Jordan had signed on in order to start pre-production. Without Jordan involved with the project, Warner Bros. was uninterested and cancelled plans for Space Jam 2.{{cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Josh |date=November 30, 2012 |title=Artist Bob Camp recalls the ill-fated "Space Jam 2" |url=http://animatedviews.com/2012/artist-bob-camp-recalls-the-ill-fated-space-jam-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628061424/http://animatedviews.com/2012/artist-bob-camp-recalls-the-ill-fated-space-jam-2/ |archive-date=June 28, 2014 |access-date=June 18, 2014 |website=Animated Views}}

The potential sequel reentered development as Spy Jam and was to star Jackie Chan in a different script.{{Cite web |last=Emerman |first=Danny |date=2021-07-13 |title=Why it took 25 years to reboot 'Space Jam' and the many stars who nearly did |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2021-07-13/lebron-james-space-jam-sequels-tony-hawk |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} The studio was also planning a film titled Race Jam which would have starred Jeff Gordon. Additionally, Pytka revealed that following the first film's success, he had been pitched a story for a sequel that would have starred professional golfer Tiger Woods, with Jordan in a smaller role. Pytka explained how the idea came from an out-of-studio script conference, with people who worked on the original film allegedly involved.{{cite web |date=November 15, 2016 |title="Space Jam" Director Reveals Spike Lee Almost Wrote the Film, Scrapped Tiger Woods Sequel |url=http://mrwavvy.com/interview-space-jam/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216221624/http://mrwavvy.com/interview-space-jam/ |archive-date=February 16, 2017 |access-date=October 4, 2018 |website=Mr. Wavvy}}{{cite web |last=Longo |first=Chris |title=The Space Jam 2 You Never Saw Almost Featured Tiger Woods |date=November 15, 2016 |url=https://denofgeek.com/us/movies/space-jam/260047/the-space-jam-2-you-never-saw-almost-featured-tiger-woods |website=Den of Geek |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908015251/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-space-jam-2-you-never-saw-almost-featured-tiger-woods/ |archive-date=September 8, 2020 |access-date=June 4, 2017}} Producer Ivan Reitman was reportedly in favor of a film which would again star Jordan.{{cite web |last=Colburn |first=Randall |date=November 24, 2016 |title=Ivan Reitman confirms Twins sequel still in the works with Eddie Murphy |url=https://consequence.net/2016/11/ivan-reitman-confirms-twins-sequel-still-in-the-works-with-eddie-murphy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719221811/https://consequence.net/2016/11/ivan-reitman-confirms-twins-sequel-still-in-the-works-with-eddie-murphy/ |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |access-date=July 19, 2021 |website=Consequence}} The follow-up films were ultimately cancelled in favor of Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003), though Gordon did make a cameo in Back in Action. A film titled Skate Jam was in early development with Tony Hawk in the starring role. Plans were underway for production to begin immediately following the release of Looney Tunes: Back in Action, but were cancelled due to the poor financial performance of said film despite improved critical reception to Space Jam.{{cite web |last=Ivie |first=Devon |date=January 6, 2019 |title=Blame the Box Office for Tony Hawk's Space Jam Sequel Never Coming to Fruition |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/01/space-jam-sequel-almost-starred-tony-hawk.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718012659/https://www.vulture.com/2019/01/space-jam-sequel-almost-starred-tony-hawk.html |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 |website=Vulture}}

In February 2014, Warner Bros. officially announced that development of a sequel that would star LeBron James. Charlie Ebersol was set to produce, while Willie Ebersol wrote the script.{{cite web |last=Busch |first=Anita |date=February 21, 2014 |title=Ebersols Aboard To Produce And Script Warner Bros' 'Space Jam 2' As A Starring Vehicle For LeBron James |url=https://deadline.com/2014/02/lebron-james-space-jam-sequel-dick-ebersol-687208/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908015251/https://deadline.com/2014/02/lebron-james-space-jam-sequel-dick-ebersol-687208/ |archive-date=September 8, 2020 |access-date=February 21, 2014 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} That same month, James was quoted as saying, "I've always loved Space Jam. It was one of my favorite movies growing up. If I have the opportunity, it will be great."{{cite web |last=Richardson |first=Shandel |date=February 22, 2014 |title=Space Jam 2 not in immediate plans for LeBron |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-xpm-2014-02-22-fl-miami-heat-news-0223-20140222-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718064324/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-xpm-2014-02-22-fl-miami-heat-news-0223-20140222-story.html |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 |website=Sun Sentinel}}

In July 2015, James and his film studio, SpringHill Entertainment, signed a deal with Warner Bros. for television, film and digital content after receiving positive reviews for his role in Trainwreck.{{cite web |last=Faughnder |first=Ryan |date=July 22, 2015 |title=LeBron James signs with Warner Bros., stokes rumors of 'Space Jam' sequel |url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-lebron-james-warner-bros-space-jam-rumors-20150722-story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723111134/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-lebron-james-warner-bros-space-jam-rumors-20150722-story.html |archive-date=July 23, 2015 |access-date=July 22, 2015 |website=Los Angeles Times}}{{cite web |title=LeBron James: I'll help pay for hundreds of kids to go to college |url=http://www.today.com/video/lebron-james-ill-help-pay-for-hundreds-of-kids-to-go-to-college-504652867549 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329213648/https://www.today.com/video/lebron-james-ill-help-pay-for-hundreds-of-kids-to-go-to-college-504652867549 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |date=August 14, 2015 |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=TODAY.com}}{{cite web |last=Trumbore |first=Dave |date=August 14, 2015 |title=LeBron James Hopeful for 'Great Things' in 'Space Jam 2' |url=https://collider.com/space-jam-2-sequel-lebron-james/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207042205/https://collider.com/space-jam-2-sequel-lebron-james/ |archive-date=December 7, 2019 |access-date=December 7, 2019 |publisher=Collider}}

By 2016, Justin Lin signed onto the project as director, and co-screenwriter with Andrew Dodge and Alfredo Botello.{{cite web |last=Ford |first=Rebecca |date=May 2, 2016 |title=Justin Lin Circling 'Space Jam' Sequel Starring LeBron James (Exclusive) |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/space-jam-sequel-finds-director-834978 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502182818/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/space-jam-sequel-finds-director-834978 |archive-date=May 2, 2016 |access-date=May 3, 2016 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} Professional player Kobe Bryant also expressed an interest in directing the film, though he was uninterested in a cameo appearance. By August 2018, Lin left the project and Terence Nance was hired to direct the film.{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Umberto |date=August 3, 2018 |title='Space Jam 2': Terence Nance in Advanced Talks to Direct Lebron James (Exclusive) |url=https://www.thewrap.com/space-jam-2-terence-nance-lebron-james/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803214011/https://www.thewrap.com/space-jam-2-terence-nance-lebron-james/ |archive-date=August 3, 2018 |access-date=August 5, 2018 |website=TheWrap}}

In September 2018, Ryan Coogler was announced as a producer for the film. SpringHill Entertainment released a promotional teaser image officially announcing the film, with production set to begin in 2019 during the NBA off-season.{{cite web |last=Guthrie |first=Marisa |date=September 19, 2018 |title=LeBron James Sets 'Black Panther's' Ryan Coogler to Produce 'Space Jam' Sequel (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ryan-coogler-produce-lebron-james-space-jam-sequel-1145386 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919214031/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ryan-coogler-produce-lebron-james-space-jam-sequel-1145386 |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} Filming was to take place in California{{cite web |last=McNary |first=Dave |author-link=Dave McNary |date=November 19, 2018 |title=LeBron James' 'Space Jam 2' Set to Film in California |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/lebron-james-space-jam-2-california-tax-credit-1203032209/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119195912/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/lebron-james-space-jam-2-california-tax-credit-1203032209/ |archive-date=November 19, 2018}} within a 30 mile radius of Los Angeles.{{cite web |last=Sandberg |first=Bryn |date=November 19, 2018 |title=LeBron James' 'Space Jam 2' to Film in California |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/space-jam-2-film-california-1162269/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719084157/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/space-jam-2-film-california-1162269/ |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |access-date=July 19, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

By April 2019, Coogler and Sev Ohanian were rewriting the script.{{cite web |last=Siegel |first=Tatiana |date=April 10, 2019 |title=Why Warner Bros. Hasn't Found LeBron James' Space Jam Team Yet |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lebron-james-space-jam-2-cast-not-set-1200696 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108014448/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lebron-james-space-jam-2-cast-not-set-1200696 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |access-date=March 7, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} Final screenplay credit would ultimately go to Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, Keenan Coogler, Terance Nance, Jesse Gordon, and Celeste Ballard.{{cite web |title=Space Jam: A New Legacy – About |url=https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/space-jam-new-legacy#about |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302144556/https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/space-jam-new-legacy#about |archive-date=March 2, 2021 |access-date=March 7, 2021 |website=WarnerBros.com}} Prior to production, the film received $21.8 million in tax credits as a result of a new tax incentive program from the state.

Principal photography began on June 25, 2019.{{cite web |last=Ankers |first=Adele |date=May 1, 2020 |title=Space Jam 2 Has an Official Title |url=https://sea.ign.com/news/160017/space-jam-2-has-an-official-title |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718061637/https://sea.ign.com/news/160017/space-jam-2-has-an-official-title |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 |website=IGN}} On July 16, 2019, it was announced Nance was leaving the project because he and "the studio/producers had different takes on the creative vision for Space Jam 2", and that Malcolm D. Lee would serve as his replacement.{{Cite news |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=July 16, 2019 |title=Malcolm D. Lee Takes Over As Director On 'Space Jam 2' |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/space-jam-2-malcolm-d-lee-directing-lebron-james-sequel-looney-tunes-1202646887/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716153338/https://deadline.com/2019/07/space-jam-2-malcolm-d-lee-directing-lebron-james-sequel-looney-tunes-1202646887/ |archive-date=July 16, 2019}} Bradford Young, who was set to serve as cinematographer, also left the project and was replaced by Salvatore Totino.{{cite web |last=Riefe |first=Jordan |date=October 3, 2019 |title='Arrival' Cinematographer Bradford Young Dives Into Fine Arts With 'Back and Song' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cinematographer-bradford-young-dives-fine-arts-back-song-1242947 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217180059/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cinematographer-bradford-young-dives-fine-arts-back-song-1242947 |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |access-date=December 17, 2019 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

Among locations used for filming included the Sheats–Goldstein Residence owned by James Goldstein, including turning its tennis court temporarily into a basketball court for the shooting.{{cite web |last=Gardner |first=Chris |date=August 27, 2019 |title=LeBron James' 'Space Jam 2' Shoots at Home of Lakers' Biggest Hater |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/rambling-reporter/lebron-james-space-jam-2-shoots-at-home-lakers-biggest-hater-1233212 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827212722/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/rambling-reporter/lebron-james-space-jam-2-shoots-at-home-lakers-biggest-hater-1233212 |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |access-date=August 27, 2019 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} Production wrapped on September 16, 2019.{{cite web |last=Barron |first=Tory |date=July 16, 2021 |title=How we finally got the 'Space Jam' sequel we deserve, 25 years later |url=https://tv5.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31808442/how-got-space-jam-sequel-deserve-25-years-later |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718060433/https://tv5.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31808442/how-got-space-jam-sequel-deserve-25-years-later |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 |website=ESPN}} The production spent at total of $194.7 million filming in California, receiving $21.8 million in tax rebates from the state. James held a farewell meeting talking about how he idolized with the first Space Jam film when he was a kid in Akron, Ohio, when the production wrapped, which was later leaked on August 16, 2020, along with pictures of James with his #6 Tune Squad outfit.{{Cite news |date=August 16, 2020 |title=LeBron James Powerful Speech On 'Space Jam' Set I Came From Nothing, Can't Believe I'm Here |work=TMZ |url=https://www.tmz.com/2020/08/16/lebron-james-space-jam-tune-squad-uniforms-speech-audio/ |url-status=dead |access-date=August 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816120605/https://www.tmz.com/2020/08/16/lebron-james-space-jam-tune-squad-uniforms-speech-audio/ |archive-date=August 16, 2020}}{{cite web |last=Newby |first=John |date=August 16, 2020 |title=LeBron James' emotional NSFW speech from 'Space Jam' set leaks |url=https://popculture.com/sports/news/lebron-james-emotional-nsfw-speech-space-jam-set-leaks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816212757/https://popculture.com/sports/news/lebron-james-emotional-nsfw-speech-space-jam-set-leaks/ |archive-date=August 16, 2020 |access-date=August 30, 2020 |publisher=Pop Culture}} A scene filmed under Nance's direction in June 2019 involving Pepé Le Pew attempting to flirt with a bartender (portrayed by Greice Santo), only to be rebuffed, was deleted.{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=March 8, 2021 |title=Pepe Le Pew Won't Be Appearing In Warner Bros' 'Space Jam' Sequel |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/pepe-le-pew-space-jam-2-new-york-times-rape-culture-controversy-1234708688/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 8, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308222726/https://deadline.com/2021/03/pepe-le-pew-space-jam-2-new-york-times-rape-culture-controversy-1234708688/ }} This decision was later met with backlash among many fans, who accused the studio of double standards by removing the character while allowing a cameo of Alex and his droogs, a gang that commits severe violence and sexual assaults in the 1971 film A Clockwork Orange, to be retained.{{cite web|last = Dick|first = Jeremy|url = https://movieweb.com/space-jam-2-droogs-backlash-pepe-le-pew/|title = 'Space Jam 2' Faces Backlash over 'A Clockwork Orange' Cameo After Axing Pepe le Pew|website = MovieWeb|date = April 5, 2021|access-date = April 5, 2021|archive-date = April 5, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210405210528/https://movieweb.com/space-jam-2-droogs-backlash-pepe-le-pew/|url-status = live}} Malcolm McDowell, who played Alex in the film, was asked permission to include a cameo appearance of his character and he granted it.{{cite web|last=Deloss|first=John|date=September 22, 2021|url=https://screenrant.com/clockwork-orange-space-jam-2-malcolm-mcdowell-cameo/|title=Malcolm McDowell Was Asked Permission for Clockwork Orange Cameo in Space Jam 2|work=Screen Rant|access-date=October 9, 2021|archive-date=September 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923053900/https://screenrant.com/clockwork-orange-space-jam-2-malcolm-mcdowell-cameo/|url-status=live}} Scenes where Bugs Bunny and LeBron visit the worlds of Pokémon, The Iron Giant and Akira were planned, written and storyboarded, with concept art done by animation director Devin Crane, but were cut from the final film.{{Cite web|title=Space Jam Pokémon Concept Art by Devin Crane|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DARqDytyHce/|access-date=2024-10-05|website=www.instagram.com}}{{Cite web|title=Space Jam Iron Giant Concept Art by Devin Crane|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DAjhqJRTFow/|access-date=2024-10-05|website=www.instagram.com}}{{Cite web|title=Space Jam Akira Concept Art by Devin Crane|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DARrgYVStwo/|access-date=2024-10-05|website=www.instagram.com}}{{cite web|title=Space Jam Meets Pokémon in A New Legacy Cut Scene|url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-space-jam-a-new-legacy-deleted-scene/|date=January 31, 2024|publisher=CBR|access-date=October 5, 2024}} The film's trailer revealed that Elmer Fudd and Yosemite Sam would be allowed to appear with their trademark guns in the film; since HBO Max's Looney Tunes Cartoons, a temporary ban had been enacted to not depict firearms due to mass shootings and gun violence in the United States.{{cite web |last=Hein |first=Michael |date=April 3, 2021 |title='Looney Tunes' Gun-Ban Doesn't Apply to 'Space Jam 2' |url=https://popculture.com/movies/news/looney-tunes-gun-ban-doesnt-apply-to-space-jam-2/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 30, 2021 |website=PopCulture.com |archive-date=April 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403214715/https://popculture.com/movies/news/looney-tunes-gun-ban-doesnt-apply-to-space-jam-2/ }}

In March 2020, photos taken on set and a brief recording of the wrap party were leaked online, revealing that the film would feature characters from other Warner-owned properties.{{Cite news |date=March 8, 2020 |title=Bill Skarsgård reportedly returns as Pennywise in Space Jam 2 |work=News Dio |url=https://newsdio.com/bill-skarsgard-reportedly-returns-as-pennywise-in-space-jam-2/65661/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408063230/https://newsdio.com/bill-skarsgard-reportedly-returns-as-pennywise-in-space-jam-2/65661/ |archive-date=April 8, 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Pereira |first=Amanda |date=March 8, 2020 |title=First Look At Jim Carrey's Mask In Space Jam 2 Leaks Online |work=Gruntstuff |url=https://gruntstuff.com/first-look-at-jim-carreys-mask-in-space-jam-2-leaks-online/9182/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408034708/https://gruntstuff.com/first-look-at-jim-carreys-mask-in-space-jam-2-leaks-online/9182/ |archive-date=April 8, 2020}}{{cite web |title=A Dark Surprise Lord Voldemort To Appear In Space Jam Remake Starring LeBron James |url=https://rojakdaily.com/RojakDailyAMP.ashx?articleid=10282&title=a-dark-surprise-lord-voldemort-to-appear-in-space-jam-remake-starring-lebron-james |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908015310/https://rojakdaily.com/RojakDailyAMP.ashx?articleid=10282&title=a-dark-surprise-lord-voldemort-to-appear-in-space-jam-remake-starring-lebron-james |archive-date=September 8, 2020 |access-date=August 30, 2020 |publisher=Rojak Daily}} In May 2020, James officially revealed the title and logo of the film, as Space Jam: A New Legacy. Don Cheadle stated that LeBron had an injury he suffered during production, while the filmmakers had a rigorous schedule and shot 14 hours a day.{{Cite news |last=Perez |first=Lexy |date=June 18, 2020 |title=Don Cheadle Says He's Been Stopped By Police "More Times Than I Can Count" |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/don-cheadle-reflects-encounters-law-enforcement-teases-space-jam-a-new-legacy-1299356 |url-status=live |access-date=June 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625141454/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/don-cheadle-reflects-encounters-law-enforcement-teases-space-jam-a-new-legacy-1299356 |archive-date=June 25, 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Athreya |first=Arjun |date=July 15, 2020 |title="He Was Working Out Like A Horse": Hollywood Veteran Shares His Experience On Set With LeBron James For Space Jam 2 |work=Essentially Sports |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-news-he-was-working-out-like-a-horse-hollywood-veteran-shares-his-experience-on-set-with-lebron-james-for-space-jam-2/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716131247/https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-news-he-was-working-out-like-a-horse-hollywood-veteran-shares-his-experience-on-set-with-lebron-james-for-space-jam-2/ |archive-date=July 16, 2020}}

Both visual effects and computer animation for the Looney Tunes characters were provided by Lucasfilm's visual effects division, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM).{{cite web |title=SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY |url=https://www.ilm.com/vfx/space-jam-a-new-legacy/}} This is the second collaboration with the Looney Tunes in using ILM for visual effects since Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988).{{cite web |title=SPACE JAM 2 |website=Industrial Light & Magic |url=https://www.ilm.com/vfx/space-jam-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717130341/https://www.ilm.com/vfx/space-jam-2/ |archive-date=July 17, 2020 |access-date=March 12, 2020}}{{Cite AV media |title=Roger Rabbit & The Secrets of Toontown |date=1988 |type=Television Documentary |publisher=Buena Vista Television}} While the 2D animation was provided by Company 3 Animation,{{cite web |title=Company 3 Animation - Our Work |url=https://www.company3animation.com/en/work/}} and Tonic DNA,{{cite web |title=Space Jam: A New Legacy - Tonic DNA |url=https://tonicdna.com/en/work/space-jam/}} who previously worked with Warner Brothers on Looney Tunes Cartoons, additional CGI effects were also provided by Luma and Cinesite, who previously provided them in the first Space Jam.

In January 2020, veteran Walt Disney Animation Studios animators Mark Henn, Tony Bancroft, and the latter's brother Tom were hired by Warner Animation Group to work on the film.{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=James |date=March 15, 2020 |title=Space Jam 2 Is Being Worked On By Director Of Original Mulan |work=GameSpot |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/space-jam-2-is-being-worked-on-by-director-of-orig/1100-6474784/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628183550/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/space-jam-2-is-being-worked-on-by-director-of-orig/1100-6474784/ |archive-date=June 28, 2020}} In March 2020, James announced that work on the film's animation had commenced, while also revealing that the production had largely been unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic as most of the remaining work involved animation.{{Cite news |last=O'Connell |first=Sean |date=March 26, 2020 |title=Lebron James Gives Update On Space Jam 2 In The Wake Of Coronavirus |work=CinemaBlend |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2493405/lebron-james-gives-update-on-space-jam-2-in-the-wake-of-coronavirus |url-status=live |access-date=July 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726032615/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2493405/lebron-james-gives-update-on-space-jam-2-in-the-wake-of-coronavirus |archive-date=July 26, 2020}} That same month, Brandt was hired back on to the project as animation director while Cervone was also hired back on to work in the film's animation department.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-bancroft/animation-podcast-141-hash-9CdAWjEGcwS/ |title=Hash It Out- Corona |date=March 27, 2020 |type=Podcast |publisher=The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast}} Director Malcolm D. Lee also learned a lot of experience working on animation from Brandt, like harkening the Looney Tunes' designs back to the ones he remembered, and their animated expressions.{{cite news |title=INTERVIEW: Director Malcolm D. Lee plays in the animation court for SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY |newspaper=The Beat |date=July 13, 2021 |url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/interview-malcolm-d-lee-space-jam-a-new-legacy/ |last1=Dar |first1=Taimur }}

In July 2020, Dan Haskett, who has worked on the Looney Tunes franchise since 1979, was hired to work in the animation department as well.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-bancroft/dan-haskett-Unp_6KCvYVH/ |title=Dan Haskett |date=July 3, 2020 |type=Podcast |publisher=The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast}} Matt Williames, who had not worked with Warner Bros. since Looney Tunes: Back in Action, started doing animation for the film in August of the same year.{{Cite tweet |number=1293628372031926272 |user=MattWilliames |title=Getting up to speed— been 17 years since I animated this guy. #spacejam2 #bugsbunny #handdrawnanimation #mattwilliames |access-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812192035/https://twitter.com/MattWilliames/status/1293628372031926272 |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |url-status=live |last=Williames |first=Matt |url=https://twitter.com/MattWilliames/status/1293628372031926272}}{{cite web |title=Williames at RCC |url=https://go.roguecc.edu/department/community-education/matt-williames |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908015321/https://go.roguecc.edu/department/community-education/matt-williames |archive-date=September 8, 2020 |access-date=August 13, 2020}} In May 2020, Ole Loken, who worked extensively on animation hit Klaus, announced that he would serve as an animator on the film.{{Cite tweet |number=1266624700869992448 |user=OleLoken |title=7 year old me would freak out, but imma start working on something fun real soon! |access-date=August 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530144953/https://twitter.com/OleLoken/status/1266624700869992448 |archive-date=May 30, 2020 |url-status=dead |last=Loken |first=Ole |url=https://twitter.com/OleLoken/status/1266624700869992448}} The film includes both traditional and CG animation,{{cite web |last=Scheck |first=Frank |date=July 14, 2021 |title=LeBron James in 'Space Jam: A New Legacy': Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/lebron-james-in-space-jam-a-new-legacy-film-1234981313/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719082216/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/lebron-james-in-space-jam-a-new-legacy-film-1234981313/ |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |access-date=July 19, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} making it the first film from Warner Animation Group to incorporate the former, which was for the most part tradigitally created with Toon Boom Animation's Harmony software.

{{main|Space Jam: A New Legacy (soundtrack)}}

In January 2020, Hans Zimmer was announced as the composer for the film.{{Cite news |last=Chitwood |first=Adam |date=January 7, 2020 |title=Hans Zimmer Taking Over as 'No Time to Die' Composer with an Insane Time Crunch |work=Collider |url=https://collider.com/hans-zimmer-james-bond-composer-no-time-to-die/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228054241/https://collider.com/hans-zimmer-james-bond-composer-no-time-to-die/ |archive-date=February 28, 2020}} By April of the same year, Kris Bowers was announced to be working with Zimmer as co-composers. However, in January 2021, it was officially confirmed that Bowers would receive solo credit.{{cite web |title=A Surprise "Space Jam 2" Teaser Reveals LeBron James in Tune Squad Jersey {{!}} Motion Pictures Association |url=https://www.motionpictures.org/2020/08/a-surprise-space-jam-2-teaser-reveals-lebron-james-in-tune-squad-jersey/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923124033/https://www.motionpictures.org/2020/08/a-surprise-space-jam-2-teaser-reveals-lebron-james-in-tune-squad-jersey/ |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2020}}{{Cite news |date=April 16, 2020 |title=Kris Bowers to Score Malcolm D. Lee's 'Space Jam 2' |work=Film Music Reporter |url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2020/04/15/kris-bowers-to-score-malcolm-d-lees-space-jam-2/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420202947/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2020/04/15/kris-bowers-to-score-malcolm-d-lees-space-jam-2/ |archive-date=April 20, 2020}} The soundtrack was released on July 9, 2021, and labeled by Republic Records and WaterTower Music featuring two lead singles: Lil Baby and Kirk Franklin's "We Win", and "Just for Me", by Saint Jhn featuring SZA. Other artists were also featured on the soundtrack, including John Legend, Lil Wayne, Saweetie, Jonas Brothers, 24kGoldn, Lil Uzi Vert, Chance the Rapper, Joyner Lucas, Big Freedia, G-Eazy, and Kash Doll.{{Cite magazine|last=Ihaza|first=Jeff|date=June 16, 2021|title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' Soundtrack Wants To Be as Iconic as the Original|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/space-jam-new-legacy-soundtrack-1184688/|url-status=live|access-date=June 20, 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|archive-date=June 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619165029/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/space-jam-new-legacy-soundtrack-1184688/}}{{cite web|last=Sinha|first=Charu|date=July 9, 2021|title=Come On and Slam, Welcome to the Space Jam 2 Soundtrack|url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/07/listen-space-jam-sequel-soundtrack-drops.html|access-date=July 10, 2021|website=Vulture|url-access=limited|archive-date=July 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710035253/https://www.vulture.com/2021/07/listen-space-jam-sequel-soundtrack-drops.html|url-status=live}} 2 Unlimited's "Get Ready for This", one of the songs from the first film, is briefly heard in one scene with Al-G and Dom.{{cite web|last=Letona|first=Joshua|date=2021-07-21|title=Space Jam 2 Soundtrack: Every Song In A New Legacy|url=https://screenrant.com/space-jam-2-movie-soundtrack-songs/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US}} "Sirius", an instrumental song by Alan Parsons Project that serves as the entrance anthem for the Chicago Bulls, is heard briefly when Sylvester brings Michael B. Jordan to the Tune Squad.

File:Space Jam, A New Legacy advert on a Crindau bus shelter, Newport - geograph.org.uk - 6887533.jpg

The marketing campaign from Warner Bros. for Space Jam: A New Legacy began on July 31, 2020, when a hat with the film's logo became available on the studio's shop website.{{cite web |title=LeBron James's Space Jam: A New Legacy Cap Now Available In Limited Quantities |last=Burlingame |first=Russ |date=July 31, 2020 |website=ComicBook.com |url=https://comicbook.com/gear/news/first-space-jam-a-new-legacy-merch-available-for-sale/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129230531/https://comicbook.com/gear/news/first-space-jam-a-new-legacy-merch-available-for-sale/ |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |access-date=January 31, 2021}} In August, it was announced that Moose Toys made a deal with Warner Bros. to make merchandise for the film along with the 2021 live-action/animated Tom and Jerry hybrid film.{{cite web |last=Foster |first=Elizabeth |date=August 31, 2020 |title=Moose Toys gets Looney with Warner Bros. deal |url=https://kidscreen.com/2020/08/31/moose-toys-gets-looney-with-warner-bros-deal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721004115/https://kidscreen.com/2020/08/31/moose-toys-gets-looney-with-warner-bros-deal/ |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |access-date=July 21, 2021 |website=Kidscreen}}

On April 3, 2021, the first trailer was released, which revealed a number of references and characters who made cameos from franchises owned by Warner Bros.Multiple sources:

• {{cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Jordan |date=April 3, 2021 |title=Trailer for Space Jam: A New Legacy Reveals a Cartoon LeBron James and IP Synergy |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/trailer-for-space-jam-a-new-legacy-reveals-a-cartoon-lebron-james-and-ip-synergy |url-access=limited |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=Vanity Fair |archive-date=April 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403144313/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/trailer-for-space-jam-a-new-legacy-reveals-a-cartoon-lebron-james-and-ip-synergy |url-status=live }}
• {{cite web |last=Aguilar |first=Matthew |title=Space Jam 2 Trailer Includes Kong, Joker, Iron Giant, Game of Thrones Dragon, and More |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/space-jam-2-trailer-kong-joker-iron-giant-game-of-thrones-catwoman/ |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=ComicBook.com |date=April 3, 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625193545/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/space-jam-2-trailer-kong-joker-iron-giant-game-of-thrones-catwoman/ |url-status=live }}
• {{cite web |last=Parker |first=Ryan |title='Space Jam 2' Trailer Delights Fans with Robust World of Warner Bros. Characters |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/space-jam-2-trailer-delights-fans-with-robust-world-of-warner-bros-characters |access-date=July 15, 2021 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=April 3, 2021 |archive-date=April 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403190504/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/space-jam-2-trailer-delights-fans-with-robust-world-of-warner-bros-characters |url-status=live }}
• {{cite web |title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' Trailer Teases a Whole New World With the Classic Tune Squad |url=https://collider.com/space-jam-2-trailer-a-new-legacy-hbo-max/ |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=Collider |date=April 3, 2021 |archive-date=April 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403132824/https://collider.com/space-jam-2-trailer-a-new-legacy-hbo-max/ |url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|last=Lussier|first=Germain|date=April 6, 2021|title=Space Jam: A New Legacy's Most WTF Cameos From the New Trailer|url=https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2021/04/space-jam-a-new-legacys-most-wtf-cameos-from-the-new-trailer/|access-date=July 15, 2021|website=Gizmodo Australia|archive-date=July 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712203642/https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2021/04/space-jam-a-new-legacys-most-wtf-cameos-from-the-new-trailer/|url-status=live}}
• {{cite magazine |last=Lawrence |first=Derek |title='Mad Max' meets 'Casablanca'? 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' will dive into the WB film vault |url=https://ew.com/movies/space-jam-new-legacy-wb-film-vault/ |access-date=July 15, 2021 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 4, 2021 |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409233723/https://ew.com/movies/space-jam-new-legacy-wb-film-vault/ |url-status=live }} Jordan Hoffman from Vanity Fair compared the trailer to Disney's Tron franchise and fellow Warner Bros. film Ready Player One (2018).{{cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Jordan |date=April 3, 2021 |title=Trailer for Space Jam: A New Legacy Reveals a Cartoon LeBron James and IP Synergy |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/trailer-for-space-jam-a-new-legacy-reveals-a-cartoon-lebron-james-and-ip-synergy |url-access=limited |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=Vanity Fair |archive-date=April 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403144313/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/trailer-for-space-jam-a-new-legacy-reveals-a-cartoon-lebron-james-and-ip-synergy |url-status=live }} That same month, Hasbro also made a deal with Warner Bros. to make two Space Jam: A New Legacy versions of their board game properties Monopoly and Connect Four.{{cite web|title='Space Jam': LeBron, Looney Tunes put new spin on classic board games|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/space-jam-new-legacy-lebron-james-looney-tunes-hasbro-monopoly-connect-4-140028514.html|date=April 29, 2021|access-date=May 1, 2021|work=Yahoo! Entertainment|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430114630/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/space-jam-new-legacy-lebron-james-looney-tunes-hasbro-monopoly-connect-4-140028514.html|url-status=live}}

That May, Warner Bros. partnered with over 200 brands worldwide to promote Space Jam: A New Legacy.{{cite web |last=Mahadevan |first=Tara C. |date=May 21, 2021 |title=Here's a Look at the New 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' Merch Collection |url=https://www.complex.com/style/space-jam-a-new-legacy-merch-collection |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718233756/https://www.complex.com/style/space-jam-a-new-legacy-merch-collection |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 |website=Complex}} Other promotional partners included Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Funko, Hallmark Cards, GameStop, Mattel, and Spalding.{{cite web |last=Bain |first=Marc |date=May 21, 2021 |title=Space Jam 2 is a massive merchandising opportunity with a movie attached |url=https://qz.com/2011315/space-jam-a-new-legacy-is-a-massive-merchandising-opportunity/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718233303/https://qz.com/2011315/space-jam-a-new-legacy-is-a-massive-merchandising-opportunity/ |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 |website=Quartz}} On June 9, Nike and Converse revealed their tie-in merchandise for the film, which included numerous footwear and sportswear. The film is also set to debut the new LeBron 19 shoes.{{cite web |last=Morales |first=Luisa |date=June 9, 2021 |title=Look: 'Space Jam 2' Nike and Converse collection features new LeBron 19, Air Force 1s, more |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2021/06/09/2104210/look-space-jam-2-nike-and-converse-collection-features-new-lebron-19-air-force-1s-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718070926/https://www.philstar.com/sports/2021/06/09/2104210/look-space-jam-2-nike-and-converse-collection-features-new-lebron-19-air-force-1s-more |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 |website=The Philippine Star}} The following day, Warner Bros. released another trailer for the film took the same effect as the first one, in addition to showing more focus on the Goon Squad (composed of avatars of various famous NBA players such as Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Diana Taurasi, Nneka Ogwumike), and Zendaya as Lola Bunny.Multiple sources:

• {{cite web |last=Bonaime |first=Ross |date=June 9, 2021 |title=New 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' Trailer Features Crowd Cameos from Harry Potter, Batman, Animaniacs, and More |url=https://collider.com/space-jam-2-trailer-harry-potter-batman-animaniacs/ |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=Collider |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611054755/https://collider.com/space-jam-2-trailer-harry-potter-batman-animaniacs/ |url-status=live}}
• {{cite web |last=Goslin |first=Austen |date=June 9, 2021 |title=The full Space Jam 2 trailer actually lets the toons do their thing |url=https://www.polygon.com/22524813/space-jam-2-new-trailer-lebron-james-hbo-max |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=Polygon |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701222050/https://www.polygon.com/22524813/space-jam-2-new-trailer-lebron-james-hbo-max |url-status=live}}
• {{cite web |last=Carson |first=Erin |date=June 9, 2021 |title=Space Jam 2 trailer: LeBron James and the Looney Tunes are a slam dunk |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/space-jam-2-trailer-lebron-james-and-the-looney-tunes-slam-dunk/ |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=CNET |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629093533/https://www.cnet.com/news/space-jam-2-trailer-lebron-james-and-the-looney-tunes-slam-dunk/ |url-status=live}}
• {{cite web |last=Alter |first=Rebecca |date=June 9, 2021 |title=LeBron James Gets a Toon-up in New Space Jam: A New Legacy Trailer |url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/06/watch-lebron-james-in-space-jam-a-new-legacy-trailer.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=Vulture |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182525/https://www.vulture.com/2021/06/watch-lebron-james-in-space-jam-a-new-legacy-trailer.html |url-status=live }}
• {{cite web |date=June 9, 2021 |title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' Trailer: The Jam, It Is Pumped Up |url=https://screencrush.com/space-jam-a-new-legacy-trailer/ |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=ScreenCrush |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181709/https://screencrush.com/space-jam-a-new-legacy-trailer/ |url-status=live }} Brianna Zigler of Paste remarked "The film looks like it might be fun in a turn-your-brain-off-and-enter-the-void sort of way".{{cite web|last1=Oller|first1=James|author2=Paste Movies Staff|date=June 11, 2021|title=The Trailer Park: The Best New Movie Trailers of the Week from Space Jam: A New Legacy to tick, tick...BOOM!|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/new-movie-trailers-061121/|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=Paste|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181444/https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/new-movie-trailers-061121/|url-status=live}} On June 29, DC Comics released a graphic novel adaption of the film.{{cite web|date=June 29, 2021|title=Space Jam: A New Legacy|url=https://www.dccomics.com/graphic-novels/space-jam-a-new-legacy|access-date=June 29, 2021|website=DC Comics|language=en|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185321/https://www.dccomics.com/graphic-novels/space-jam-a-new-legacy|url-status=live}}

A tie-in video game developed by Digital Eclipse was released for Xbox One on July 1, and was initially exclusive to Xbox Game Pass for two weeks. The game's concept was designed by the winners of a contest by Warner Bros., in which fans could pitch ideas for an original Space Jam game.{{cite web|last=Diaz|first=Ana|date=June 23, 2021|title=Space Jam 2 is getting a video game tie-in|url=https://www.polygon.com/22545360/space-jam-2-a-new-legacy-video-game-xbox-game-pass|access-date=June 24, 2021|website=Polygon|archive-date=June 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623131906/https://www.polygon.com/22545360/space-jam-2-a-new-legacy-video-game-xbox-game-pass|url-status=live}} That same month, McDonald's launched its limited time campaign in the participating restaurants by including twelve toys free with the purchase of a Happy Meal,{{cite web|last=Rice|first=Nicholas|url=https://people.com/food/mcdonalds-reveals-space-jam-a-new-legacy-happy-meals/|date=July 9, 2021|title=McDonald's Reveals New Space Jam Happy Meal Toys to Feed Your 90s Nostalgia|website=People|access-date=June 18, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182227/https://people.com/food/mcdonalds-reveals-space-jam-a-new-legacy-happy-meals/|url-status=live}} while Warner Bros. collaborated with Nifty's to release a collection of 91,000 limited-edition NFTs featuring characters from the movie including Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Porky Pig and LeBron James. A large amount of NFTs are planned to be released to balance rarity with broad accessibility, driving "engagement around the film for as many Space Jam fans as possible".{{cite web|last=Spangler|first=Todd|url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/space-jam-new-legacy-nft-lebron-james-1235016220/|date=July 12, 2021|title='Space Jam: A New Legacy': Warner Bros. Is Tossing 91,000 NFTs Featuring Characters, LeBron James Up for Grabs (Exclusive)|website=Variety|access-date=July 20, 2021|archive-date=July 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719165732/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/space-jam-new-legacy-nft-lebron-james-1235016220/|url-status=live}}

The film was promoted with the third Teen Titans Go! movie, titled Teen Titans Go! See Space Jam, which aired on Cartoon Network on June 20, 2021.{{cite web|last=Liu|first=Narayan|date=May 27, 2021|title=Cartoon Network Goes Meta with Teen Titans Go! See Space Jam Movie|url=https://www.cbr.com/cartoon-network-goes-meta-with-teen-titans-go-see-space-jam-movie/|access-date=May 27, 2021|work=Comic Book Resources|archive-date=May 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527162239/https://www.cbr.com/cartoon-network-goes-meta-with-teen-titans-go-see-space-jam-movie/|url-status=live}}

Space Jam: A New Legacy was theatrically released by Warner Bros. Pictures in the United States on July 16, 2021. It was also simultaneously released on HBO Max, available for subscribers of the ad-free plan to view at no extra cost for one month.{{cite web |last1=McClintock |first1=Pamela |last2=Couch |first2=Aaron |date=February 21, 2019 |title='Space Jam 2' Books Summer 2021 Release Date |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/space-jam-2-release-date-set-july-2021-1188877/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712000743/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/space-jam-2-release-date-set-july-2021-1188877/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{cite web |last1=Goldsmith |first1=Jill |last2=Hayes |first2=Dade |date=December 3, 2020 |title=WarnerMedia's HBO Max Movie Move Sinks Exhibition Stocks, Throws Down Streaming Gauntlet |url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/warnermedia-hbo-max-exhibition-stocks-streaming-windows-1234650018/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719222323/https://deadline.com/2020/12/warnermedia-hbo-max-exhibition-stocks-streaming-windows-1234650018/ |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |access-date=July 19, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2021-06-02 |title=HBO Max With Ads Launches: What's Different in the $10 Monthly Plan |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/hbo-max-with-ads-launch-pricing-1234986422/ |access-date=2021-07-17 |website=Variety |archive-date=July 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717031153/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/hbo-max-with-ads-launch-pricing-1234986422/ |url-status=live }} The film premiered in Los Angeles on July 12, 2021.{{cite web |last=Ross |first=Rollo |date=July 13, 2021 |title=LeBron 'extremely nervous' about living up to Jordan in Space Jam sequel |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/film-space-jam-premiere/lebron-extremely-nervous-about-living-up-to-jordan-in-space-jam-sequel-idUSL4N2OP178 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713111745/https://www.reuters.com/article/film-space-jam-premiere/lebron-extremely-nervous-about-living-up-to-jordan-in-space-jam-sequel-idUSL4N2OP178 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |website=Reuters}} In September 2020, SpringHill Company signed a four-year contract with Universal Pictures, making this their fourth and final independent production.{{Cite news |last=Donnelly |first=Matt |date=September 29, 2020 |title=The SpringHill Company and Universal Pictures Sign First-Look Film Deal (Exclusive) |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/lebron-james-springhill-first-look-film-deal-universal-1234785832/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929210550/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/lebron-james-springhill-first-look-film-deal-universal-1234785832/ |archive-date=September 29, 2020}}{{Cite news |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=September 29, 2020 |title=Universal Enters Into First-Look Deal With LeBron James & Maverick Carter's The SpringHill Company |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2020/09/universal-enters-into-first-look-deal-with-lebron-james-maverick-carters-the-springhill-company-1234587047/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002005732/https://deadline.com/2020/09/universal-enters-into-first-look-deal-with-lebron-james-maverick-carters-the-springhill-company-1234587047/ |archive-date=October 2, 2020}}

Samba TV reported that 2.1 million U.S. households streamed the film in its opening weekend, one of the best totals for its AB Warner Bros./HBO Max day-in-date release, with Cleveland being the most-watching city.{{Cite tweet |number=1417212354857680896 |user=samba_tv |title=2.1M US households watched #SpaceJam:... |author=Samba TV |date=July 19, 2021}} The film was watched in over 4.2 million U.S. households by the end of its first 30 days.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/2022-box-office-theatrical-streaming-day-date-experiment-1234902774/|title=With Tentpoles Bound To Surge The 2022 Box Office, The Great Theatrical-Streaming Day & Date Experiment Goes Out Like A Dud In 2021|date=January 3, 2022|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=January 3, 2022}}

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Studio Distribution Services released Space Jam: A New Legacy on digital on September 3, 2021, and on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD on October 5.{{cite web |last=Latchem |first=John |date=August 16, 2021 |title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' Available via Premium Digital Sept. 3, on Disc Oct. 5 |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/space-jam-a-new-legacy-available-via-premium-digital-sept-3-on-disc-oct-5/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211203224203/https://www.mediaplaynews.com/space-jam-a-new-legacy-available-via-premium-digital-sept-3-on-disc-oct-5/ |archive-date=December 3, 2021 |access-date=December 5, 2021 |website=Media Play News}}

Space Jam: A New Legacy grossed $70.6 million in the United States and Canada, and $93.1 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $163.7 million.

In the United States and Canada, Space Jam: A New Legacy was released with Escape Room: Tournament of Champions on July 16, 2021, and was projected to gross $20 million from 3,950 theaters in its opening weekend.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/space-jam-2-box-office-black-widow-1235019046/ |title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' Takes on 'Black Widow' at the Box Office |date=July 14, 2021 |first=Rebecca |last=Rubin |website=Variety |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715044325/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/space-jam-2-box-office-black-widow-1235019046/ |url-status=live }} It made $13.1 million on its first day.{{cite web |last=Mendelson |first=Scott |date=July 17, 2021 |title=Box Office: 'Space Jam 2' Dunks On 'Black Widow' With $13.1 Million Friday |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2021/07/17/box-office-lebron-james-space-jam-a-new-legacy-dunks-on-marvel-black-widow-with-13m-friday/ |url-access=limited |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829220539/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2021/07/17/box-office-lebron-james-space-jam-a-new-legacy-dunks-on-marvel-black-widow-with-13m-friday/ |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |website=Forbes }} The film debuted earning $31.1 million from 3,965 theaters,{{cite web |last=Mendelson |first=Scott |date=July 18, 2021 |title='Space Jam 2' Tops Box Office With $32M Debut Weekend |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2021/07/18/box-office-lebron-james-space-jam-2-tops-marvel-black-widow-with-32m-weekend/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829225444/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2021/07/18/box-office-lebron-james-space-jam-2-tops-marvel-black-widow-with-32m-weekend/ |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |website=Forbes}}{{cite web |last=Lash |first=Jolle |date=July 16, 2021 |title='Space Jam' Beats 'Black Widow' to Lead Weekend Box Office |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-16/-space-jam-threatens-to-bump-black-widow-from-box-office-lead |access-date=October 8, 2021 |website=Bloomberg News }}{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2021W29/?ref_=bo_rl_table_2|title=Domestic 2021 Weekend 29|website=Box Office Mojo}} the best opening weekend for a family film and the second highest for a Warner Bros. film of the COVID-19 pandemic behind Godzilla vs. Kong ($31.6 million), and besting the original ($27.5 million without inflation).{{cite web|last=McClintock|first=Pamela|date=July 18, 2021|title=Box Office: 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' Benches 'Black Widow' With $31.7M Win|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/space-jam-2-gox-office-benches-black-widow-1234984197/|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-date=July 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718152053/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/space-jam-2-gox-office-benches-black-widow-1234984197/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/snake-eyes-m-night-shyamalan-old-weekend-box-office-projections-1234797523/|title='Snake Eyes' & M. Night Shyamalan's 'Old' In Cage Match At Weekend Box Office|date=July 21, 2021|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|website=Deadline Hollywood|quote=Warner Bros' Space Jam: A New Legacy wound up posting a final three-day cume of $31.05M, which is not Warner Bros' best domestic debut for the pandemic (Godzilla vs. Kong still is, at $31.6M), and it's also the second best opening for Malcolm D. Lee after Girls Trip ($31.2M). Nonetheless, Space Jam 2 was the best opening for a family film during the pandemic to date|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721200627/https://deadline.com/2021/07/snake-eyes-m-night-shyamalan-old-weekend-box-office-projections-1234797523/|url-status=live}} Its second weekend earnings dropped by 69% to $9.5 million;{{cite web |last=Mendelson |first=Scott |date=July 25, 2021 |title=Box Office: 'Black Widow' Falters, 'Space Jam' Falls 69% |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2021/07/25/black-widow-struggles-space-jam-tumbles-weekend-box-office/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925072051/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2021/07/25/black-widow-struggles-space-jam-tumbles-weekend-box-office/ |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |access-date=September 25, 2021 |website=Forbes }} the steep decline was blamed in-part on the film's simultaneous digital release on HBO Max.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/snake-eyes-old-m-night-shyamalan-weekend-box-office-1234798883/ |title=Box Office Drops With 'Old', 'Snake Eyes', 'Black Widow' & 'Space Jam 2': But Is Delta Variant Or Dynamic Windows To Blame? |date=July 25, 2021 |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=July 24, 2021 |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725093706/https://deadline.com/2021/07/snake-eyes-old-m-night-shyamalan-weekend-box-office-1234798883/ |url-status=live }} It earned another $4.2 million on its third weekend.{{cite magazine |last=Lash |first=Jolle |date=August 1, 2021 |title=Jungle Cruise makes dream voyage to No. 1 at the weekend box office |url=https://ew.com/movies/jungle-cruise-no-1-weekend-box-office/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802065718/https://ew.com/movies/jungle-cruise-no-1-weekend-box-office/ |archive-date=August 2, 2021 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly }}

Space Jam: A New Legacy received negative reviews from critics.{{cite web |last=Noble |first=Alex |title=Bad Space Jam 2 Reviews Draw Bitter Rebukes: 'Space Jam Wasn't Made for Your Old Ass' |url= https://www.thewrap.com/space-jam-2-reviews-bitter-reactions/ |date=July 16, 2021 |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=TheWrap }}{{cite web |last= Whitten |first=Sarah |title=Space Jam: A New Legacy is a bloated mess with shameless plugs to other Warner Bros. content, critics say |url= https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/15/space-jam-a-new-legacy-reviews-heres-what-critics-think.html |date=July 15, 2021 |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=CNBC }} According to Jordan Williams, the majority of critical reviews targeted the film's "lack of fun humor and earnest light-heartedness, overt promotion of Warner Bros. property, disappointment with celebrity and NBA roles, and the long two-hour runtime compared to [the first] Space Jam{{'}}s 87 minutes". On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 25% based on 229 reviews with an average rating of 4.4/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Despite LeBron James' best efforts to make a winning team out of the Tune Squad, Space Jam: A New Legacy trades the zany, meta-humor of its predecessor for a shameless and tired exercise in IP-driven branding."{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |id=space_jam_a_new_legacy |type=m |title=Space Jam: A New Legacy|access-date=November 16, 2023}}{{cbignore}} At Metacritic, it scored 36 out of 100 based on 46 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".{{Cite Metacritic |id=space-jam-a-new-legacy|type=movie |title=Space Jam: A New Legacy Reviews |access-date=July 24, 2021}}{{cbignore}} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale, the same as the first film, while PostTrak reported 78% of filmgoers gave it a positive score, with 58% saying they would definitely recommend it.{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=July 18, 2021 |title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' Steals Ball Away From 'Black Widow' With $31M+ Opening, Best For Family Pic & WB During Pandemic |url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/space-jam-a-new-legacy-black-widow-weekend-box-office-1234794982/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718194000/https://deadline.com/2021/07/space-jam-a-new-legacy-black-widow-weekend-box-office-1234794982/ |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

The A.V. Club{{'s}} A.A. Dowd gave it a "C−", stating that the film's comprehensiveness did "nothing", although it made misdirections which was subject to "glittering CGI trash heap of cameos, pat life lessons, and stale internet catchphrases."{{cite web |last=Dowd |first=A.A. |title=Space Jam: A New Legacy is one big, witless commercial for Warner Bros. properties |url=https://www.avclub.com/space-jam-a-new-legacy-is-one-big-witless-commercial-1847288022 |date=July 14, 2021 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |website=The A.V. Club |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715044236/https://www.avclub.com/space-jam-a-new-legacy-is-one-big-witless-commercial-1847288022 |url-status=live }} James Marsh gave the film 1 out of 5 stars and criticized its use of product placement, which he felt alienated supporters of the NBA and Looney Tunes. Calling it a "supposed family comedy...woefully devoid of laughs," Marsh concluded it fell just short of "asking audiences point blank to subscribe to HBO Max", and was ultimately "a vacuous and cynical experience that shoots far wide of the mark".{{cite web |last=Marsh |first=James |date=July 15, 2021 |title=Review {{!}} Space Jam: A New Legacy movie review – LeBron James fails to save sequel that's been long in the making |url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3141215/space-jam-new-legacy-movie-review-lebron-james-fails-save |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719025727/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3141215/space-jam-new-legacy-movie-review-lebron-james-fails-save |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |access-date=July 19, 2021 |website=South China Morning Post}} In her 2.5 out of 5 star review, Wenlei Ma criticized the film for overtly promoting Warner Bros. IPs.{{cite web |date=July 9, 2021 |title=Space Jam A New Legacy review: LeBron James sequel is a marketing executive's wet dream |first=Wenlei |last=Ma |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/movie-reviews/space-jam-a-new-legacy-review-lebron-james-sequel-let-down-by-nauseating-crosspromotion/news-story/ea9361612e6f7e8eae70782f064b5376/#1 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |website=News.com.au |language=en |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714072738/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/movie-reviews/space-jam-a-new-legacy-review-lebron-james-sequel-let-down-by-nauseating-crosspromotion/news-story/ea9361612e6f7e8eae70782f064b5376#1 |url-status=live }} Alonso Duralde of TheWrap said that the film "barely has jokes for the Looney Tunes, let alone the entire Warner Bros. cast of characters".{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/space-jam-2-review-lebron-james-nets-nothing-in-overstuffed-sequel/|title='Space Jam 2' Review: LeBron James Nets Nothing in Overstuffed Sequel|website=TheWrap|last=Duralde|first=Alsonso|author-link=Alonso Duralde|date=June 14, 2021|access-date=June 14, 2021|archive-date=July 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715044237/https://www.thewrap.com/space-jam-2-review-lebron-james-nets-nothing-in-overstuffed-sequel/|url-status=live}} Johnny Oleksinski of the New York Post gave it a 1 out of 4 rating and wrote, "In the pantheon of misguided sequels and reboots, A New Legacy is right up there with Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 and Little Fockers."{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2021/07/16/lebrons-space-jam-a-new-legacy-is-an-abomination-review/|title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' review: LeBron James film is an abomination|date=July 16, 2021 }}

Hagan Osborne of FilmInk was more positive: "What is most thrilling about A New Legacy is the liveliness of the worlds created, with each destination carrying with it a varying style of animation that brings with it added freshness."{{cite web|title=Space Jam: A New Legacy|url=https://www.filmink.com.au/reviews/space-jam-a-new-legacy/|access-date=July 9, 2021|website=FilmInk|date=July 8, 2021 |language=en-AU|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185352/https://www.filmink.com.au/reviews/space-jam-a-new-legacy/|url-status=live}} Amy Nicholson of Variety said, "Space Jam: A New Legacy is chaotic, rainbow sprinkle-colored nonsense that, unlike the original, manages to hold together as a movie."{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/space-jam-a-new-legacy-review-1235019352/ |title='Space Jam: A New Legacy' Review: LeBron James' Sequel Easily Dunks on the Original |last=Nicholson |first=Amy |date=July 14, 2021 |website=Variety |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715044222/https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/space-jam-a-new-legacy-review-1235019352/ |url-status=live }} Kristen Page-Kirby of The Washington Post gave the film 2 stars out of 4, saying: "There's no real reason for this sequel/tribute to the original 1996 film to exist, but now that it does, there's no reason to wish that it didn't", and added that the film "has just enough momentum, heart and spirit, even as it does both way too much and not quite enough ... If this is corporate synergy fired up to a terrifying new level, there's still enough heart at the movie's center to keep it from becoming all business."{{Cite news|last=Page-Kirby|first=Kristen|date=July 14, 2021|title=Review {{!}} 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' — a feature-length ad for Warner Bros. — rises just above mediocrity|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/space-jam-a-new-legacy-movie-review/2021/07/14/503db95c-e00c-11eb-b507-697762d090dd_story.html|access-date=2021-07-24|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=August 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829225216/https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/space-jam-a-new-legacy-movie-review/2021/07/14/503db95c-e00c-11eb-b507-697762d090dd_story.html|url-status=live}} Korey Coleman and Martin Thomas of Double Toasted, the former of whom worked as an animator on the original Space Jam, both gave it a positive review. While they admitted the film felt like an advertisement for HBO Max, they praised the creative use of the characters and the acting, though they took issue with outdated references.{{cite web|date=July 14, 2021|title=THE MOVIE REVIEW EXTRAVAGANZA - Reviews for 'Space Jam: A New Legacy', 'Loki' season finale, 'Pig'|url=https://doubletoasted.com/shows/space-jam-a-new-legacy-review-loki-finale-review-and-more-the-movie-review-extravaganza-live-915-pm-cst/|access-date=July 17, 2021|website=Double Toasted|archive-date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717195843/https://doubletoasted.com/shows/space-jam-a-new-legacy-review-loki-finale-review-and-more-the-movie-review-extravaganza-live-915-pm-cst/|url-status=live}} Keith Hawkes of Parent Previews criticized the film cashing in on nostalgia for a classic franchise.{{cite web |url = https://parentpreviews.com/movie-reviews/space-jam-a-new-legacy |title = Space Jam: A New Legacy |website = Parent Previews |date = 30 June 2021 |access-date = October 10, 2021}}

Brian Lowry of CNN wrote: "The first Space Jam was hardly a classic, which should temper expectations. Yet even by that standard, this marketing-driven exercise too often plays like the Acme version of it."{{cite web |last = Lowry |first = Brian |url = https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/17/entertainment/space-jam-a-new-legacy-review/index.html |title = 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' lets LeBron James jump into Michael Jordan's shoes |website = CNN |date = July 18, 2021}} Simran Hans of The Guardian gave 2 out of 5 stars and wrote: "The sequel, on the other hand, seems to earnestly revel in the recyclable potential of the WB archive. Its elastic, mile-a-minute animated sequences insert Lola Bunny (Zendaya; wasted) into the world of Wonder Woman and send Tweety and Granny into The Matrix. James's natural charisma should allow the film to soar but he's bogged down by an avalanche of distracting cameos, from Gremlins to Game of Thrones."{{cite web |last = Hans |first = Simran |url = https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/jul/18/space-jam-a-new-legacy-review-lebron-james-don-cheadle |website = The Guardian |title = Space Jam: A New Legacy review – humourless hoop dreams |date = July 18, 2021}} Mary Sollosi of Entertainment Weekly gave a D+ grade, saying: "Here's the thing about basketball: It is extremely watchable. Here's the thing about Space Jam: A New Legacy: It's not."{{cite magazine |last = Sollosi |first = Mary |url = https://ew.com/movies/movie-reviews/space-jam-a-new-legacy-review/ |title = Space Jam: A New Legacy review: LeBron James enters the server-verse in exhausting reboot |magazine = Entertainment Weekly |date = July 14, 2021}}

Joe Pytka, the director of the original Space Jam, expressed his hatred towards the film upon its release. Among his complaints, Pytka compared LeBron James to Michael Jordan, who was arguably the most famous celebrity when the first film was released in comparison to James, criticized the story for not tying up emotionally to LeBron's life, felt the first film's cast and soundtrack were superior to the ones of A New Legacy and saw Bugs Bunny's role in the film as "heartbreaking".{{cite news |last= |first= |title=ORIGINAL 'SPACE JAM' DIRECTOR Slams 'New Legacy' ... BRON'S NO MJ, BUT THAT'S THE LEAST OF ITS PROBLEMS!!! |url=https://www.tmz.com/2021/07/21/original-space-jam-director-rips-sequel-lebron-aint-michael/ |access-date=October 9, 2021 |work=TMZ |date=July 21, 2021 |archive-date=July 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722000504/https://www.tmz.com/2021/07/21/original-space-jam-director-rips-sequel-lebron-aint-michael/ |url-status=live }} Pytka had earlier criticized Warner Bros.' decision to make a Space Jam sequel in 2016 back when Justin Lin was attached to direct, dismissing the notion as "ridiculous" despite working with LeBron James and Steph Curry, feeling that neither of them was a "transcendent figure" like Jordan.{{cite magazine|last=Lawrence|first=Derek|date=November 15, 2016|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/11/15/space-jam-20th-anniversary-joe-pytka/|title=Space Jam: The story behind Michael Jordan's improbable victory|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=October 9, 2020|archive-date=April 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409211918/https://ew.com/article/2016/11/15/space-jam-20th-anniversary-joe-pytka/|url-status=live}}

At the 42nd Golden Raspberry Awards, Space Jam: A New Legacy received a nomination for Worst Picture; and won Worst Actor for James, Worst Screen Combo for James and "any Warner cartoon character (or Time-Warner product) he dribbles on", and Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel.{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Hilary |date=March 26, 2022 |title=Razzies: Filmed Version of Diana Stage Musical Tops 2022 Winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/razzies-2022-winners-list-1235119040/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427034704/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/razzies-2022-winners-list-1235119040/ |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=April 27, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} It was nominated for the Comedy Movie of 2021 at the 47th People's Choice Awards, but lost to Free Guy,{{Cite web |last=Coates |first=Tyler |date=December 7, 2021 |title=People's Choice Awards: Dwayne Johnson, Black Widow and Shang-Chi Among Top Winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/peoples-choice-awards-winners-list-1235058955/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427034709/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/peoples-choice-awards-winners-list-1235058955/ |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=April 27, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} and received awards for the Hollywood Professional Association Awards' Outstanding Sound – Feature Film{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2021 |title=HPA Awards: Sound of Metal, Black Widow Among 2021 Winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hpa-awards-2021-winners-1235049532/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427034739/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hpa-awards-2021-winners-1235049532/ |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=April 27, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} and the Alliance of Women Film Journalists' Time Waster Remake or Sequel Award.{{Cite web |last=Urban |first=Sasha |title=The Power of the Dog Sweeps Alliance of Women Film Journalists Awards |url=https://variety.com/2022/awards/news/power-of-the-dog-alliance-women-film-journalists-awards-1235162239/ |access-date=November 10, 2022 |work=Variety |date=January 25, 2022 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125195232/https://variety.com/2022/awards/news/power-of-the-dog-alliance-women-film-journalists-awards-1235162239/ |url-status=live }} Two awards for the film were nominated at the 2022 Kids' Choice Awards included Favorite Movie and Favorite Movie Actor for James, but both lost to Spider-Man: No Way Home.{{Cite web |last=Gajewski |first=Ryan |date=April 9, 2022 |title=Kids' Choice Awards: Spider-Man: No Way Home Wins Big; Dr. Jill Biden Speaks |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/kids-choice-awards-2022-winners-list-1235127819/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427034819/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/kids-choice-awards-2022-winners-list-1235127819/ |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=April 27, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

South Park co-creator Matt Stone said that if an episode was to be produced about the film industry's impact on American culture, "it would, for sure, be about Space Jam 2."{{Cite news|title='South Park' Co-Creator Matt Stone on his $900 Million Deal|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2021-08-08/-south-park-co-creator-matt-stone-on-his-900-million-deal|last=Shaw|first=Lucas|date=2021-08-08|access-date=2021-12-18|work=Bloomberg News}} The streaming specials South Park: Post COVID and South Park: Post COVID: The Return of COVID depict the film as a principal cause for society's collapse during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite news|title=South Park Jumps to the Future, Kills Off [Spoiler] in Post COVID Special|url=https://tvline.com/2021/11/25/south-park-post-covid-ending-explained-butters-chaos/|last=Swift|first=Andy|date=2021-11-25|access-date=2021-12-18|work=TVLine}}

Lee has expressed interest in making a third Space Jam film with Dwayne Johnson as the lead and focusing on wrestling instead of basketball.{{cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Gabrielle |date=July 21, 2021 |title=Space Jam: A New Legacy director Malcom D. Lee is down to make a third film starring Dwayne Johnson |url=https://www.avclub.com/space-jam-a-new-legacy-director-malcom-d-lee-is-down-1847336241 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210724025932/https://www.avclub.com/space-jam-a-new-legacy-director-malcom-d-lee-is-down-1847336241 |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |access-date=July 24, 2021 |website=The A.V. Club}}

• List of basketball films

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• {{Official website|spacejam.com}}
• {{Official website|https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/space-jam-new-legacy}} at warnerbros.com
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