Four Ideas Better Than "Space Jam 2"

According to numerous reports, Warner Brothers is in the works of creating a sequel to Space Jam, one of the most fun and zany sports films of all-time. Michael Jordan leads a ragtag group of Loony Toons that possess 0 athletic ability against a team of aliens or "Monstars" for their independence. Winning recipe. It worked in 1996, and it will probably make more money in the year 2016 or 2017, or whenever this film gets released.

Detailed in a Deadspin piece, Warner Brothers plans to feature LeBron James in the role MJ was in almost 20 years ago. And while this film is a near sure-bet to make an ungodly amount of money, I can't help but think that something is missing. While LeBron has been one of the best basketball players and biggest sports stars since Jordan played, this film could end up being a little too formulaic. Unoriginal. It could very well end up being the same thing as its predecessor, only with a star in the same sport that doesn't come close to holding a candle to Jordan.

At first, I dismissed the idea of adding more installments to the Space Jam franchise, but then I saw an interesting tweet from my buddy Nick Wolf:

That's it! Instead of rebooting or rewriting the same film, why not turn Space Jam in to a multi-sports franchise a la Air Bud, in which the Toon Squad competes in different sports battles featuring other great athletes?! And on that thought, I present to you, four ideas better than "Space Jam 2":

1) "Space Strikers" 

Let's start with Nick's idea. You have soccer's most-recognizable star, David Beckham. So recognizable in fact that he has a movie named after him already. Just about everyone plays soccer as a kid, whether it is on a park district team, or if it just outside at recess or in P.E.I would be love to see the swiftness of these characters that we know and love playing soccer.

2) "Space Blitz"

This was an obvious choice. Football is the top sport in America right now. The only not-so-obvious choice is which athlete would the Toon Squad pick to lead it? Or would they two players, one to operate the offense and one to operate the defense? Let's go with that idea.

So the Toon Squad has to pick a defensive player, and right now the easy choice would be to take J.J. Watt, a once-in-a-lifetime player that can dominate a game on the defensive side of the ball. Watt is goofy and fun enough for this role. On the offensive end, I think the Toons gotta pick a quarterback. They can't rely on Buggs, Daffy or Tweety to pass the ball. And this is where it gets tough. You have a choice between possibly the greatest quarterback of all-time (Tom Brady), the best statistical quarterback ever (Peyton Manning), and the MVP (Aaron Rodgers), and maybe potential all-time great. Who do you give the ball to?

Six months ago, I would have said Brady. But the whole "deflategate" could tarnish the reputation of your movie, as well as bring down its ticket sales. So you can rule him out. Between Rodgers and Manning, you have two guys that both can act (we've seen plenty of their commercials), and I don't think you really can go wrong. I would prefer Rodgers because he is playing at a higher level right now than Manning is, but you couldn't go wrong with either.

3) "Space Slash"

What sport is more cartoony and animated than hockey? Wouldn't you love to see Tasmanian Devil picking a fight with an alien that looks at him funny? I'm imagining hard hits and fast-paced excitement! Maybe even throw in a broadcaster that is a parody of Al Michaels covering the 1980 gold medal team. 

As for what NHL player the Toon Squad would be targeting in free agency, this is another tough decision. They could go with Sidney Crosby, but they would be mortgaging the farm on someone that could very easily get a concussion and have to sit on the sidelines for the rest of the big game. This may be some of my Chicago-bias easing in, but I think they take the same route they took in the original Space Jam, and target a winner who is not only at the top of their game, but dominating their game. The Blackhawks have won three of the last six Stanley Cups. So I think they target stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. However, "Captain Serious" would not have time for any cartoon tomfoolery of any kind. Kane would be in, and Toews could have an awkward cameo or a minor role.

4) "Space Slam"

While America's pastime may be seen by many as "boring", kids are still growing up playing little league. And one of the most exciting video games I played as a kid was none other than MLB: Slugfest, which allowed you to do ridiculous things such as punch players instead of tagging them, and jump-kick the catcher on plays at the plate. I'm sure that this would still be exciting and gritty. Baseball is in a weird place right now, because while there are many stars on the rise, its stars A) aren't as recognizable as they have been in the past and B) haven't established their place quite like stars in the past. Perhaps the obvious choice would be for the Toon Squad to acquire Mike Trout. But I feel like the Toon Squad might have their sights set on another player. Even though Derek Jeter has retired and is no longer actively playing the sport, could you see the Toon Squad coming to Jeter for help in his retirement life where he doesn't have much else going on? I can. Also, Jeter is the most recognizable star baseball has had in recent years, and I'm sure the MLB would love to milk him for all that he's worth. Jeter would bring a veteran presence to a young clubhouse in search of its soul. Plus, you need a leader at the shortstop position, and Jeter is the best option. Jeter has also done his share of acting, so I'm sure he'd be comfortable in this role, and entertaining and fun.

So these are just some ideas I had from brainstorming. Each film could have all kinds of different plot angles and twists. And of course, many cameos from star athletes. And Bill Murray. Can't leave out Bill Murray.

What do you think of these ideas? Would you see any of them? Would you replace any of my athlete selections? Do you have an idea better than Space Jam 2? Whatever your opinion is, drop a comment or tweet me @vellvita7.