WNBA Space Jam 2 will probably be the phrases you will hear in the Summer of 2021. As of now, the WNBA season is set to tip-off May 15th, 2020.
However, with the pandemic known as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) it may be possible that the season gets pushed back. All major sports leagues have either canceled or postponed their play.
On the other hand, sports fans can look forward to the long-anticipated release date of Space Jam 2. The sequel to the original 1996 film is currently in production and is scheduled to hit the big screen in July of 2021. LeBron James will star in this film and try to fulfill the legacy that Michael Jordan established in the original.
Man this really just hit me! I’m really shooting Space Jam 2!! This is so surreal and doesn’t even make sense to me! Where I come from man and what I saw growing up this doesn’t add up to me! ??♂️! I’m truly grateful and beyond blessed. This is CRAZINESS. ? ? ? ???
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 25, 2019
WNBA Space Jam 2: The Fight For Diversity In Film!
Prior to the beginning of filming, there were huge debates about what other players would join the cast. The supporting cast for the 2021 film includes Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, and Chris Paul. In addition to the NBA cast Diana Taurasi, Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike will represent the WNBA.
WNBA Space Jam 2: The Take Over!
Granted the casting of the NBA stars is exciting but seeing WNBA stars take the big screen in this epic franchise speaks volumes. This will be an opportunity for girls, young women and older women to see themselves on the big screen. Granted there could have been a few more WNBA players added.
Imagine if the producers auditioned a few more WNBA players. Despite the lack of national coverage, the WNBA is full of personality, heartwarming stories, and competition. Let’s take a look at five WNBA or former college players that should have been considered for the film.
Cheryl Miller
Obviously, you have to take the time to pay homage to the legends of this world. Cheryl Miller is the first player and coach that comes to mind when looking for an additional cast for Space Jam 2.
Often times when the last name Miller is brought up it’s easy to think Reggie Miller. But let’s not forget that Cheryl is a walking legend who dominated her brother in basketball growing up (just saying). Miller has been a pioneer for the game of basketball. She won two NCAA championships (1983, 1984) and had her jersey retired by USC.
Even though she once scored 105 points in High School and shot over 50% from the field in college. Cheryl Miller still doesn’t think she is the greatest female basketball player of all time. pic.twitter.com/DP6ByMRoSq
— Jalen & Jacoby (@JalenandJacoby) March 9, 2020
Due to knee injuries, she was unable to play at the next level. Miller was drafted by both women’s and men’s professional leagues and she was a dominant force in USA basketball.
After college, she started her career as a coach and has been coaching since 1986. Years later, she started working as a broadcaster and was the first woman to cover a nationally televised game on TBS.
The USC legend would be an excellent mentor, coach, and personality in the film. Not to mention she could come out of retirement to save the world from the Monstars (assuming she came back). Miller’s 6-foot-2 frame and skill set could help anyone win when the fate of the universe is on the line.
Sheryl Swoopes
The legendary Sheryl Swoopes is number two on the list for an alternative cast selection. Clearly the Hall of Famer has to be considered because of what she has done for the W. She was drafted in the 1997 WNBA inaugural draft class and was a key part of the Houston Comets attack.
In honor of International Women’s Day, the Houston Rockets honored the Houston Comets! Sheryl Swoopes was in attendance & took tonight’s First Shot for Charity! ? pic.twitter.com/D4mkD1kivV
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 9, 2020
Swoopes led the Comets to four WNBA championships and won three MVP awards. Her game was like poetry in motion and she could score in a hurry. On and off the floor she was a leader that could motivate just about anyone.
The three-time gold medalist could easily play multiple roles in this film. She can join the coaching staff behind Miller, help the Looney Tunes Squad focus in a detrimental situation or play an impactful resource that shapes the ending of the film.
Sydney Colson
Third on the list is Sydney Colson and it’s a no brainer that she should have been selected for Space Jam 2. Every film needs that character that can be serious when it matters but also cracks that random joke at the wrong time.
Everyone needs a character who will make a joke when the fate of the world is at stake (just like Guardians of the Galaxy). Anyone who follows Colson on Instagram knows how funny she is from her variety of skits and impersonations.
When your flight attendant is a huge #WNBA fan ? @SydJColson takes flight in the latest episode of “60 Seconds With Syd” pic.twitter.com/uoAmxvppHv
— WNBA (@WNBA) March 3, 2020
Colson’s artistic ability would allow her to play a variety of roles whether it be the comedian, the Looney Tunes’ honorary member, a voice-over as a conscience or a possible new animated character.
It’s easy to cast her as a player but her talent allows her to do something outside of her normal role in life. On the flip side, she could play a Monstar or one of the aliens on Moron Mountain.
Liz Cambage
Liz Cambage is fourth on the list and it goes without saying that she would make a great impact on this film. Cambage does it all from being a DJ, starting point-guard (during the all-star weekend), and dominating in the post.
Cambage’s size and skill set easily put her in the starting line-up to help the Looney Tunes Squad. But similar to Colson her comedic relief would help this film in many ways.
Liz Cambage is having a day! “I’m a point guard!, just because I’m tall doesn’t mean I can’t be a point guard.. You can be whatever you want to be in life…this is my day!” #WNBAAllStar @WNBA @LVAces @ThePaintedLines pic.twitter.com/FTShSauzGQ
— J Blevins (@JBlevinsNBA) July 27, 2019
No disrespect to James or any of the other NBA cast members but no one provides much humor. Granted Klay Thompson does have a dry sense of humor that may cause a few chuckles.
The Las Vegas Aces center can be very blunt in one instance but then turn around and provide laughter. She could easily become a character on Moron Mountian, an announcer, or broadcaster in addition to playing.
Elena Delle Donne
Elena Delle Donne is the final selection for today and it should go without explanation. Delle Donne is a perfect example of an amazing human being, athlete, competitor and leader.
Additionally, fans, critics, and analysts have to remember that Delle Donne played in the WNBA Finals with a herniated disk in her back. Without her in the lineup, the Washington Mystics would have lost the finals.
Talkin’ bout playoffs ?️? @De11eDonne with 16.9 PPG & 6.6 RPG#SticsSTATS pic.twitter.com/E132JmWqkJ
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) February 29, 2020
There is no debate or doubt that Delle Donne needs to be in the starting line-up and or hit the game-winning shot. Any writer on the set needs to consider this option. Even though we all know King James will have the final shot it’s a bit of a stretch.
Think about it, James is a pass-first player and doesn’t mind letting someone else take the final shot. You may remember Ray Allen saving the day in Miami, or Irving hitting the game-winning shot against the Golden State Warriors.
Those two reasons should be more than enough for Delle Donne to take the last shot. She can get to the rim off the dribble, post up or catch and shoot. Either way, the WNBA champion has to be in the starting line-up for the Looney Tunes Squad.
Space Jam 2: July 2021
Ultimately there could be so many other options to add like Lisa Leslie, Rebecca Lobo, Sue Bird, Natasha Cloud, Brittney Griner, or Breanna Stewart. But Space Jam 2 will be something to watch out for and WNBA fans should go support Taurasi and the Ogwumike sisters.
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