The sequel to the iconic 1996 Space Jam film will debut a “reworked” look to the character Lola Bunny to reflect a “strong, capable female,” compared to her “very sexualized” style from the first movie, the director said.
Malcolm Lee is directing Space Jam: A New Legacy, starring Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.
“This is 2021,” Lee said. “It’s important to reflect the authenticity of strong, capable female characters.”
The decision to alter the character’s appearance was to present a strong role model to young people, he added.
Women’s National Basketball Association stars Diana Taurasi for the Phoenix Mercury and Nneka Ogwumike for the Los Angeles Sparks will have key roles in the film.
Lola Bunny redesign from 1996 > 2021 pic.twitter.com/Uc4uBX7FCT
— SB® (@drakecereal) March 4, 2021
The alterations to Lola Bunny’s design are reflected by a uniform change. Her shorts are also less short in the updated design and feature compression shorts underneath and a mesh arm sleeve.
James announced the first look at the film slated for release on July 16.
Y’ALL NOT READY FOR THIS SQUAD!!!! ???? @spacejammovie @EW pic.twitter.com/8ogu758fsO
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 4, 2021
The original film starred the same cartoon Looney Tunes cast, along with six-time Chicago Bulls champion Michael Jordan.
James told Entertainment Weekly he was shocked when he donned the famous Tune Squad jersey for the first time during the film’s production.
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“I had that wow moment, like, ‘Mama, I’m doing this. [I’m] really shooting Space Jam,'” James said.
