Actor Bill Murray is known for his iconic role as Peter Venkman in the Ghostbusters franchise, apart from several other hit comedy films. Murray recently appeared on a talk show to promote the new installment in his popular supernatural comedy franchise when he was asked about his cameo in 1996’s Space Jam.
A still from Space Jam (1996)
During the appearance, Murray discussed his brief but important role in the live-action/animation hybrid film featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan in the lead role. Murray revealed he was still bitter about how the film’s climax played out and made a major revelation about Jordan’s playing style, albeit in his trademark humorous way. Here is what Murray had to say about Jordan and Space Jam.
Bill Murray Reveals He is Still Bitter About the Final Showdown in Space Jam 28 Years Later
Ernie Hudson and Bill Murray on The Tonight Show Starring...
A still from Space Jam (1996)
During the appearance, Murray discussed his brief but important role in the live-action/animation hybrid film featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan in the lead role. Murray revealed he was still bitter about how the film’s climax played out and made a major revelation about Jordan’s playing style, albeit in his trademark humorous way. Here is what Murray had to say about Jordan and Space Jam.
Bill Murray Reveals He is Still Bitter About the Final Showdown in Space Jam 28 Years Later
Ernie Hudson and Bill Murray on The Tonight Show Starring...
- 3/16/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
‘Game of Thrones’ Director David Nutter to Receive Lifetime Achievement Honor at the 2024 DGA Awards
Veteran TV director David Nutter has been selected to receive the Directors Guild of America’s lifetime achievement award for distinguished achievement in directing. He will receive the honors at the 76th Annual DGA Awards ceremony on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
Nutter is only the sixth director to receive the recognition, following James Burrows, Robert Butler, Joe Pytka, Don Mischer and Robert A. Fishman.
“David has had a truly phenomenal directing career on so many of the most high-profile series in episodic television,” said DGA president Lesli Linka Glatter. “To quote the cover of our own DGA Quarterly, David is truly the ‘King of the Pilots.’ His passion, creativity, and mastery of the craft over his expansive career underscores exactly why David serves as an inspiration to fellow directors everywhere. On behalf of the Guild, I’m beyond thrilled to celebrate David’s talents and contributions to the art of directing.”
Glatter...
Nutter is only the sixth director to receive the recognition, following James Burrows, Robert Butler, Joe Pytka, Don Mischer and Robert A. Fishman.
“David has had a truly phenomenal directing career on so many of the most high-profile series in episodic television,” said DGA president Lesli Linka Glatter. “To quote the cover of our own DGA Quarterly, David is truly the ‘King of the Pilots.’ His passion, creativity, and mastery of the craft over his expansive career underscores exactly why David serves as an inspiration to fellow directors everywhere. On behalf of the Guild, I’m beyond thrilled to celebrate David’s talents and contributions to the art of directing.”
Glatter...
- 12/14/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
In the world of pop culture crossovers, few are as iconic as the 1996 film Space Jam. Starring basketball legend Michael Jordan alongside the beloved Looney Tunes characters, it became a cultural phenomenon that captured the hearts of fans worldwide. But what if there was another crossover in the works that would have taken the 2000s by storm? Enter Skate Jam, the unmade film that almost brought together skateboarding icon Tony Hawk and the zany world of the Looney Tunes. Why didn’t this film get made? Let’s find out together here on What Happened To This Unmade Movie?
Space Jam would go on to be a theatrical juggernaut. Pitting the greatest basketball player of all time, against a squad of monsters seems like a fun idea. Throw in the Looney Tunes, and you’re for sure going to create a classic kids film. The film would go on to...
Space Jam would go on to be a theatrical juggernaut. Pitting the greatest basketball player of all time, against a squad of monsters seems like a fun idea. Throw in the Looney Tunes, and you’re for sure going to create a classic kids film. The film would go on to...
- 7/11/2023
- by Bryan Wolford
- JoBlo.com
As rumors swirl of Jean-Luc Godard’s final posthumous film eying a Cannes premiere along with the recent premiere of Ben Affleck’s Nike drama Air, it’s only fitting that a Nike commercial from the legendary French director has resurfaced. Shot in 1991 but never aired, the 15-second spot is undoubtedly something only Godard could have come up with as we see Death running after a girl and a man, who narrowly avoid their demise because they are wearing, of course, Nike sneakers.
Legendary Joe Pytka’s production company shared a few details on the genesis of the ad, which stemmed from a Nike campaign in which they were recruiting directors from across the globe. After a difficult search to find a French director, they finally contacted Godard and a commercial was made. When the campaign finally aired, the Godard spot was nowhere to be seen. Here’s the story,...
Legendary Joe Pytka’s production company shared a few details on the genesis of the ad, which stemmed from a Nike campaign in which they were recruiting directors from across the globe. After a difficult search to find a French director, they finally contacted Godard and a commercial was made. When the campaign finally aired, the Godard spot was nowhere to be seen. Here’s the story,...
- 3/23/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
CBS Sports director Robert A. Fishman will receive one of the DGA Awards’ highest honors, the lifetime achievement award for distinguished achievement in television direction, at the org’s annual event in February.
Directors Guild of America President Lesli Linka Glatter announced the kudo on Tuesday. Fishman is only the fifth director to receive the TV direction lifetime achievement honor. Fishman will receive the accolade at the 75th Annual DGA Awards on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
“The DGA is thrilled to recognize Bob Fishman for his unprecedented contributions to the direction of live sporting events over a legendary 50-year career,” Glatter said in a statement. “From the first live coverage of the Daytona 500 to Tanya Harding’s broken lace drama at the 1994 Olympics to the NCAA Final Four this year, Bob has been the quintessential storyteller in live sports, directing across the broadest possible spectrum. Bob’s mantra has always been, ‘Don’t miss the live action.
Directors Guild of America President Lesli Linka Glatter announced the kudo on Tuesday. Fishman is only the fifth director to receive the TV direction lifetime achievement honor. Fishman will receive the accolade at the 75th Annual DGA Awards on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
“The DGA is thrilled to recognize Bob Fishman for his unprecedented contributions to the direction of live sporting events over a legendary 50-year career,” Glatter said in a statement. “From the first live coverage of the Daytona 500 to Tanya Harding’s broken lace drama at the 1994 Olympics to the NCAA Final Four this year, Bob has been the quintessential storyteller in live sports, directing across the broadest possible spectrum. Bob’s mantra has always been, ‘Don’t miss the live action.
- 12/20/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
To many, Joe Pytka’s 1996 hit Space Jam was little more than crossover silliness, a marriage of live-action and animation that did not push the medium’s boundaries anywhere like Robert Zemeckis’ Who Framed Rodger Rabbit, and a crazy little pop cultural toons-meet-sports-star splurge happily at home in the crazy era that is the ‘90s. But to a great many more of us, this movie means a good deal more. It was a fun slam dunking childhood highlight, that celebrated a star who exceeded the sports he played, and likewise an array of iconic zany cartoon characters who arguably had their final hurrah in this era, before the mid-noughties saw fit to repackage them and later eras doubled down on that. Call it nostalgia or childhood, but for me, Space Jam holds a special joyous place in my heart, not least because it was the first film I fully recall...
- 8/28/2021
- by Jack Bottomley
- The Cultural Post
Joe Pytka, the director of the original Space Jame movie, was a little more polite than I might have been since he praised LeBron James’ acting ability in Space Jam: A New Legacy when the truth is that LeBron is a great athlete, but he’s not much of an actor. On top of that, the second Space Jam movie started out about like the first one, as it went on to glorify LeBron and his career with a serious diss to video games and a harsh outlook on what it really takes to get anywhere in life, particularly in the
Why The Original Space Jam Director is Not a Fan of the Sequel...
Why The Original Space Jam Director is Not a Fan of the Sequel...
- 7/27/2021
- by Tom Foster
- TVovermind.com
“Space Jam: A New Legacy,” despite reigning as king of the box office last weekend, has been hit with some pretty harsh reviews. But no critic has hit where it hurts quite so hard as the original 1996 film’s director Joe Pytka, who shredded the film in a recent interview with TMZ, telling the outlet that it took him five different viewings to make it through the film’s two-hour running time.
“The truth is that LeBron ain’t Michael,” Pytka said comparing the new film’s star, LA Lakers basketball player LeBron James to the original film’s lead, Michael Jordan, one of the biggest celebrity athletes of all time.
Also among his complaints were the film’s “insignificant” soundtrack and Bugs Bunny’s “heartbreaking” new role (and not in a good way). Pytka said that the new version of Bugs Bunny “looked like one of those fluffy dolls...
“The truth is that LeBron ain’t Michael,” Pytka said comparing the new film’s star, LA Lakers basketball player LeBron James to the original film’s lead, Michael Jordan, one of the biggest celebrity athletes of all time.
Also among his complaints were the film’s “insignificant” soundtrack and Bugs Bunny’s “heartbreaking” new role (and not in a good way). Pytka said that the new version of Bugs Bunny “looked like one of those fluffy dolls...
- 7/22/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Space Jam: A New Legacy has been called many things: crass commercialism on full display, a soul-sucking trek through Warner Bros.’ stable of intellectual property, an underwhelming family film. But now a confusing new descriptor is being lobbied against the sequel: “not Space Jam.” Joe Pytka, who directed the original 1996 movie, has been against the […]
The post ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ Under Attack By Original ‘Space Jam’ Director appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ Under Attack By Original ‘Space Jam’ Director appeared first on /Film.
- 7/21/2021
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
Space Jam: A New Legacy may have pulled off a stronger than expected $31.1 million opening weekend to top Black Widow at the box office but there is one person that is having none of the sequel starring NBA superstar LeBron James. Joe Pytka, the director of the original Space Jam that starred Michael Jordan, has some harsh words for the sequel and he is not mincing words.…...
- 7/21/2021
- by Gaius Bolling
- JoBlo.com
“Space Jam: A New Legacy” hasn’t been a hit for everybody — and apparently that includes the director of the original “Space Jam.” In fact, Joe Pytka has revealed that he has a laundry list of problems the sequel to his 1996 hit.
In comments made to TMZ, Pytka revealed that it actually took him five different sittings to finish “A New Legacy,” rather than watching it all in one two-hour period. His biggest problem with it was mostly its protagonist, LeBron James. In Pytka’s eyes, James didn’t bring enough heart or reality to the film.
“The truth is that LeBron ain’t Michael,” Pytka said.
Then came the matter of star power. Though Pytka noted that Mj’s story in “Space Jam” was clearly based in his actual life — specifically the time period where he temporarily quit basketball to take up major league baseball — lending it more emotional credibility,...
In comments made to TMZ, Pytka revealed that it actually took him five different sittings to finish “A New Legacy,” rather than watching it all in one two-hour period. His biggest problem with it was mostly its protagonist, LeBron James. In Pytka’s eyes, James didn’t bring enough heart or reality to the film.
“The truth is that LeBron ain’t Michael,” Pytka said.
Then came the matter of star power. Though Pytka noted that Mj’s story in “Space Jam” was clearly based in his actual life — specifically the time period where he temporarily quit basketball to take up major league baseball — lending it more emotional credibility,...
- 7/21/2021
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Burbank, Calif., May 11, 2021 – To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the beloved classic, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that the perennial family film Space Jam will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on July 6th.
Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes linchpin Bugs Bunny star in the family comedy classic that introduced a whole new dimension of entertainment. The film also stars Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, and the voice of Danny DeVito. Bill Murray, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, and Patrick Ewing appear as themselves. Space Jam was produced by Ivan Reitman and directed by Joe Pytka.
Ultra HD* showcases 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (Hdr) and a wider color spectrum, offering consumers brighter, deeper, more lifelike colors for a home entertainment viewing experience like never before.
Space Jam will be available on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack for $24.99 Erp and includes an Ultra...
Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes linchpin Bugs Bunny star in the family comedy classic that introduced a whole new dimension of entertainment. The film also stars Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, and the voice of Danny DeVito. Bill Murray, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, and Patrick Ewing appear as themselves. Space Jam was produced by Ivan Reitman and directed by Joe Pytka.
Ultra HD* showcases 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (Hdr) and a wider color spectrum, offering consumers brighter, deeper, more lifelike colors for a home entertainment viewing experience like never before.
Space Jam will be available on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack for $24.99 Erp and includes an Ultra...
- 5/13/2021
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Eh, what's up, Doc? What's up is that director Terence Nance has been benched as the helmer of Space Jam 2. Replacing him as director of the long-gestating sequel to Joe Pytka's 1996 live action-animated sports comedy is Girls Trip helmer Malcolm D. Lee. While not too many details related to Nance's departure were given, Deadline has reported that Nance's…...
- 7/16/2019
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
“Random Acts of Flyness” creator Terence Nance is officially out as director of Warner Bros.’ sequel to the 1996 live-action/animated sports comedy “Space Jam.” According to Deadline, Nance is being replaced by “Girls Trip” helmer Malcolm D. Lee.
Nance’s exit is said to have been an “amicable” one, with creative differences cited as the reason for his departure.
Lee might actually be the more logical choice here, given his mainstream comedy roots, and proven box office prowess, with 11 feature films on his resume. Although Nance’s surrealist, stream-of-consciousness style — as seen in his 2012 feature debut “An Oversimplification of Her Beauty,” and in his vérité HBO sketch series “Random Acts of Flyness” — may have given the “Space Jam” franchise a fresh creative jolt.
This also would have been Nance’s first studio feature.
Set for a July 16, 2021 release, the live-action/animated “Space Jam 2” will star NBA superstar LeBron James...
Nance’s exit is said to have been an “amicable” one, with creative differences cited as the reason for his departure.
Lee might actually be the more logical choice here, given his mainstream comedy roots, and proven box office prowess, with 11 feature films on his resume. Although Nance’s surrealist, stream-of-consciousness style — as seen in his 2012 feature debut “An Oversimplification of Her Beauty,” and in his vérité HBO sketch series “Random Acts of Flyness” — may have given the “Space Jam” franchise a fresh creative jolt.
This also would have been Nance’s first studio feature.
Set for a July 16, 2021 release, the live-action/animated “Space Jam 2” will star NBA superstar LeBron James...
- 7/16/2019
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Come on and slam!
Well Space Jam fans, here’s your first glimpse at the long-awaited sequel, Space Jam 2 and its star, LeBron James, courtesy of TMZ. Though from the looks of it, there’s no sign of Bugs Bunny anywhere.
The new series of photos reveal production at a basketball court where an All-Star game between NBA and Wnba players seems to be taking place. Among the many athletes in attendance was Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson, who showed up in crutches after suffering a torn Acl in the finals against the Toronto Raptors.
You can check out some of the photos for yourself below:
TMZ Captured Lebron James and More On The Court For Space Jam 2 1 of 8
Click to skip
More From The Web Click to zoom
An interesting thing you might’ve noticed is that LeBron’s wearing the number 6 on his jersey here instead...
Well Space Jam fans, here’s your first glimpse at the long-awaited sequel, Space Jam 2 and its star, LeBron James, courtesy of TMZ. Though from the looks of it, there’s no sign of Bugs Bunny anywhere.
The new series of photos reveal production at a basketball court where an All-Star game between NBA and Wnba players seems to be taking place. Among the many athletes in attendance was Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson, who showed up in crutches after suffering a torn Acl in the finals against the Toronto Raptors.
You can check out some of the photos for yourself below:
TMZ Captured Lebron James and More On The Court For Space Jam 2 1 of 8
Click to skip
More From The Web Click to zoom
An interesting thing you might’ve noticed is that LeBron’s wearing the number 6 on his jersey here instead...
- 6/27/2019
- by Luke Parker
- We Got This Covered
A few days ago it was reported that Space Jam 2 star and producer LeBron James was having problems enlisting an all-star team of NBA players to join the film.
THR now has an update on this report shedding some new light on what is going on and why the NBA players aren’t joining the film. Three players that producers for the film were trying to get on board were Stephen Curry, James Harden and Kevin Durant, but they likely won’t be able to join because of contracts that they have made with shoe companies. The report explains:
As to why shoes matter, Nike is essential to the Space Jam franchise. The 1996 first film was based on the "Hare Jordan" commercial directed by Joe Pytka, who also helmed the feature. That makes the involvement of Curry (Under Armour contract through 2024) and Harden (Adidas) nearly impossible, sources say. Durant, though...
THR now has an update on this report shedding some new light on what is going on and why the NBA players aren’t joining the film. Three players that producers for the film were trying to get on board were Stephen Curry, James Harden and Kevin Durant, but they likely won’t be able to join because of contracts that they have made with shoe companies. The report explains:
As to why shoes matter, Nike is essential to the Space Jam franchise. The 1996 first film was based on the "Hare Jordan" commercial directed by Joe Pytka, who also helmed the feature. That makes the involvement of Curry (Under Armour contract through 2024) and Harden (Adidas) nearly impossible, sources say. Durant, though...
- 4/12/2019
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Don Mischer will receive the Directors Guild of America’s lifetime achievement award for distinguished achievement in television direction.
“Don’s mastery of directing live events is a sight to behold: a fast-paced symphony of meticulous planning and on-the-spot decision-making that brings our nation’s greatest cultural events into our living rooms,” said DGA president Thomas Schlamme. “And he does it all with grace and confidence. For decades, Don has captivated generations of audiences with our shared moments — from the Oscars and Super Bowl halftime shows to the Olympics and President Obama’s historic inauguration.”
“His skill as a director captures a range of human experiences which transcend the present, creating lifelong memories for audiences around the world. Along the way, he’s picked up a record 10 DGA Awards, countless industry awards and nominations for his outstanding work, and the admiration of his peers and colleagues. But that still wasn’t enough for us.
“Don’s mastery of directing live events is a sight to behold: a fast-paced symphony of meticulous planning and on-the-spot decision-making that brings our nation’s greatest cultural events into our living rooms,” said DGA president Thomas Schlamme. “And he does it all with grace and confidence. For decades, Don has captivated generations of audiences with our shared moments — from the Oscars and Super Bowl halftime shows to the Olympics and President Obama’s historic inauguration.”
“His skill as a director captures a range of human experiences which transcend the present, creating lifelong memories for audiences around the world. Along the way, he’s picked up a record 10 DGA Awards, countless industry awards and nominations for his outstanding work, and the admiration of his peers and colleagues. But that still wasn’t enough for us.
- 11/27/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Chris Longo Nov 17, 2016
Tales from the movie script graveyard: Warner Bros kicked around ideas for a Space Jam 2 with Tiger Woods...
The constantly rumoured Space Jam 2 appears to finally be in the works now that a charismatic sports star with some acting chops like LeBron James has come along. This week marks the original film’s 20th anniversary and while glowing lookbacks are pouring in, some juicy details on the would-be franchise’s history are resurfacing.
See related Humans series 2 interview: Gemma Chan, Emily Berrington, Will Tudor Humans series 2 episode 3 review Humans series 2 episode 2 review Humans series 2 episode 1 review
In an interview with Mr. Wavvy, Space Jam director Joe Pytka said he went to a “script conference” meeting with Warner Bros. and they pitched an idea that was “silly” to Pytka. The pitch involved a cameo from Michael Jordan and “Tiger Woods was involved in it as well.
Tales from the movie script graveyard: Warner Bros kicked around ideas for a Space Jam 2 with Tiger Woods...
The constantly rumoured Space Jam 2 appears to finally be in the works now that a charismatic sports star with some acting chops like LeBron James has come along. This week marks the original film’s 20th anniversary and while glowing lookbacks are pouring in, some juicy details on the would-be franchise’s history are resurfacing.
See related Humans series 2 interview: Gemma Chan, Emily Berrington, Will Tudor Humans series 2 episode 3 review Humans series 2 episode 2 review Humans series 2 episode 1 review
In an interview with Mr. Wavvy, Space Jam director Joe Pytka said he went to a “script conference” meeting with Warner Bros. and they pitched an idea that was “silly” to Pytka. The pitch involved a cameo from Michael Jordan and “Tiger Woods was involved in it as well.
- 11/15/2016
- Den of Geek
When Michael Jordan joined forces with Bugs Bunny, Space Jam happened. And it's now 20 years old...
Reviewers be damned, right? I missed Space Jam first time around, a little put off by the dismissive write-ups the film was getting. It stuck on my always-meant-to-get-round-to-that list instead, as my cinema-going shekels went off in the direction of other films. As it’s turned out, it’s taken me 20 years – and more specifically, the 20 year anniversary Blu-ray – for me to get to it.
As such, it’s worth noting I can’t share that this is a film special to my children. I know many people who cite Space Jam as one such movie, but as with something like Hook, I don’t have an emotional attachment to the film. Instead, I stuck it on for the first time, and showed my kids the movie at the same time I watched it.
Reviewers be damned, right? I missed Space Jam first time around, a little put off by the dismissive write-ups the film was getting. It stuck on my always-meant-to-get-round-to-that list instead, as my cinema-going shekels went off in the direction of other films. As it’s turned out, it’s taken me 20 years – and more specifically, the 20 year anniversary Blu-ray – for me to get to it.
As such, it’s worth noting I can’t share that this is a film special to my children. I know many people who cite Space Jam as one such movie, but as with something like Hook, I don’t have an emotional attachment to the film. Instead, I stuck it on for the first time, and showed my kids the movie at the same time I watched it.
- 11/15/2016
- Den of Geek
By the time the middle of next month rolls around, there will likely be a lot of rancor and despair welled up in these 50 states of ours. Most of it will probably be attributable the to the seventh season of AMC’s The Walking Dead, but some of it will probably be election-related. At any rate, we’re going to need a potent and fragrant balm to ease our national pain. And that’s why Space Jam is returning to theaters.
Yahoo! News reports that Michael Jordan, Bill Murray, and Bugs Bunny will be reunited before our wearied, wondering eyes for just two nights next month: Sunday, November 13 and Wednesday, November 16. DGA lifetime achievement award-winning director Joe Pytka’s live-action/animation basketball comedy classic will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of its release on November 15. That’s the ostensible reason for this theatrical resurrection, but it seems ...
Yahoo! News reports that Michael Jordan, Bill Murray, and Bugs Bunny will be reunited before our wearied, wondering eyes for just two nights next month: Sunday, November 13 and Wednesday, November 16. DGA lifetime achievement award-winning director Joe Pytka’s live-action/animation basketball comedy classic will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of its release on November 15. That’s the ostensible reason for this theatrical resurrection, but it seems ...
- 10/19/2016
- by Dennis DiClaudio
- avclub.com
Twenty years on from the release of "Space Jam" came word that a sequel is in the works which will center around LeBron James teaming up with the Looney Tunes All-Stars.
It's news that has been received by quite a bit of excitement from fans, but one person who isn't keen on the idea is the first film's director Joe Pytka. Talking with THR this week, he revealed that he thinks the film will flop at the box-office - but not from lack of public interest:
"Don't do it. It's doomed. Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet. When we did Space Jam, there was a perfect storm of players and ex-players available - Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing. They all had a persona that complemented the film. There are none around like that now."
The original film scored a strong $230 million worldwide back in 1996 and went on to strong VHS sales.
It's news that has been received by quite a bit of excitement from fans, but one person who isn't keen on the idea is the first film's director Joe Pytka. Talking with THR this week, he revealed that he thinks the film will flop at the box-office - but not from lack of public interest:
"Don't do it. It's doomed. Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet. When we did Space Jam, there was a perfect storm of players and ex-players available - Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing. They all had a persona that complemented the film. There are none around like that now."
The original film scored a strong $230 million worldwide back in 1996 and went on to strong VHS sales.
- 5/13/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
facebook
twitter
google+
"It's doomed", says the director of Space Jam, of Space Jam 2...
The first Space Jam film brought Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny together back in 1996. And whilst the movie struggled to notch up good reviews, it sure did find an audience, one that’s stuck with the film for the 20 years (!) since it was first released.
Joe Pytka directed the original film, although he’s not involved in the recently revealed Space Jam 2. The new sequel will see LeBron James star, with Star Trek Beyond and Fast & Furious director Justin Lin behind the camera.
Chatting to The Hollywood Reporter, Joe Pytka was asked his views on Space Jam 2, and was pretty candid: “don’t do it, it’s doomed”, he declared. In a world full of PR sheen, it's pretty refreshing to hear something so direct.
As for his reasoning, “Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet.
google+
"It's doomed", says the director of Space Jam, of Space Jam 2...
The first Space Jam film brought Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny together back in 1996. And whilst the movie struggled to notch up good reviews, it sure did find an audience, one that’s stuck with the film for the 20 years (!) since it was first released.
Joe Pytka directed the original film, although he’s not involved in the recently revealed Space Jam 2. The new sequel will see LeBron James star, with Star Trek Beyond and Fast & Furious director Justin Lin behind the camera.
Chatting to The Hollywood Reporter, Joe Pytka was asked his views on Space Jam 2, and was pretty candid: “don’t do it, it’s doomed”, he declared. In a world full of PR sheen, it's pretty refreshing to hear something so direct.
As for his reasoning, “Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet.
- 5/13/2016
- Den of Geek
There seemed to be a little bit of magic everywhere when it came to the 1996 sleeper hit "Space Jam."It had Looney Tunes characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. It had a younger and still quite marketable Michael Jordan. And it included a bunch of NBA legends who just happened to be available.But a planned sequel more than 20 years after the fact will most likely fail to re-capture that magic. At least that's what "Space Jam" director Joe Pytka is warning "Space Jam 2" director Justin Lin."When we did 'Space Jam,' there was a perfect storm of players and ex-players available," Pytka told The Hollywood Reporter's Bill Higgins, with some of the greatest like Larry Bird, Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing. "They all had a persona that complemented the film. There are none like that now."Lin, ...
- 5/13/2016
- GeekNation.com
Last week when I wrote about the how Fast & Furious director Justin Lin is going to direct a Space Jam sequel that will probably star LeBron James, I talked about how the first movie is...to put it nicely, not very good. Yes, '90s kids love it for nostalgic reasons, but have you rewatched it recently? It does not hold up At All.
In any case, the first film's director, Joe Pytka, has some advice for Lin and James:
"Don't do it. It's doomed. Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet."
What he's getting at is that LeBron has been eclipsed this year by the Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry, who recently won the NBA's Mvp award by unanimous vote for the first time in history (not even Jordan accomplished that feat). Pytka's implying that by the time Space Jam 2 actually hits theaters, LeBron might not...
In any case, the first film's director, Joe Pytka, has some advice for Lin and James:
"Don't do it. It's doomed. Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet."
What he's getting at is that LeBron has been eclipsed this year by the Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry, who recently won the NBA's Mvp award by unanimous vote for the first time in history (not even Jordan accomplished that feat). Pytka's implying that by the time Space Jam 2 actually hits theaters, LeBron might not...
- 5/12/2016
- by Ben Pearson
- GeekTyrant
It's been 20 years since the first Space Jam film hit theaters and shaped childhoods all around the world. With Michael Jordan, Bill Murray, and a whole host of NBA superstars in significant roles, it's a movie that, despite its flaws, is beloved by many. Of course, since we currently live in an age of franchises, anything with brand recognition seems like it's fair game for Hollywood to exploit, and this is exactly what's happened with Space Jam.
It's been rumored for years that a Space Jam sequel would be hitting theaters, but nothing ever came of it...until recently, when THR broke the news that LeBron James would be filling in for Michael Jordan in the lead role in Space Jam 2. Not only that, but Justin Lin, the director of four Fast & Furious films, would be at the helm as director.
Response to this news has been mixed to lukewarm.
It's been rumored for years that a Space Jam sequel would be hitting theaters, but nothing ever came of it...until recently, when THR broke the news that LeBron James would be filling in for Michael Jordan in the lead role in Space Jam 2. Not only that, but Justin Lin, the director of four Fast & Furious films, would be at the helm as director.
Response to this news has been mixed to lukewarm.
- 5/12/2016
- by Joseph Medina
- LRMonline.com
For years, Lebron James has been trying to get a sequel to 1996's Space Jam off the ground. Now, it appears that it.s finally happened, as the project has a screenwriter and Star Trek Beyond director Justin Lin in talks to be behind the camera. However, now the director of the first Space Jam is warning that the sequel should be abandoned, because the modern NBA just doesn.t have a deep enough roster to make it work. Joe Pytka has only directed two feature films to date, but one of them was the original Space Jam, starring Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes. He recently told The Hollywood Reporter than any attempt to recapture the magic of Space Jam was "doomed," because the collection of players that were available to be in the first film was unique, and simply doesn.t exist today. When we did Space Jam,...
- 5/12/2016
- cinemablend.com
When Space Jam descended on the moviegoing masses two decades ago, Joe Pytka’s wonderfully wacky sports flick struck a chord with adults and children alike, seeding a powerful sense of nostalgia that would continue to permeate long after Michael Jordan was shooting hoops with Bugs Bunny and Co. back in ’96.
It’s understandable, then, that news of Warner Bros. pushing ahead with Space Jam 2 irked longtime fans of the space-sports romp including, it seems, Joe Pytka himself.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, the director was damning of Warner’s planned sequel, which last week recruited Star Trek Beyond‘s Justin Lin to helm. In fact, Pytka even went so far as to claim that Space Jam 2 was essentially “doomed” given the original was very much considered a product of its time.
“Don’t do it. It’s doomed. Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet.
It’s understandable, then, that news of Warner Bros. pushing ahead with Space Jam 2 irked longtime fans of the space-sports romp including, it seems, Joe Pytka himself.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, the director was damning of Warner’s planned sequel, which last week recruited Star Trek Beyond‘s Justin Lin to helm. In fact, Pytka even went so far as to claim that Space Jam 2 was essentially “doomed” given the original was very much considered a product of its time.
“Don’t do it. It’s doomed. Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet.
- 5/12/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
With Star Trek Beyond heading for theatrical release on July 22, director Justin Lin is looking ahead, and he's decided that a sequel to Space Jam lies in his future (possibly). It's not a done deal yet, but Lin is cowriting Space Jam 2, according to The Hollywood Reporter, with an eye toward directing. LeBron James is already set to star. The 1996 original starred Michael Jordan as himself. He agrees to help various Looney Tunes characters to take on alien slavers in a basketball game to gain their freedom. Joe Pytka directed the live-action/animated movie. Lin is writing a new screenplay with Andrew Dodge, whose credits include Bad Words, directed by Jason Bateman, and the upcoming O' Lucky Day, a comedy for Paramount, and...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 5/2/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Two decades after NBA superstar Michael Jordan shot some hoops with Bugs Bunny and Co., The Hollywood Reporter brings word today that a Space Jam 2 is moving forward with Star Trek Beyond filmmaker Justin Lin at the helm.
Penning the script alongside screenwriter Andrew Dodge, it’s understood the long-rumored basketball sequel will welcome LeBron James to the fray, who first became linked with said follow-up back in 2012, before fuelling speculation three years later when the Cleveland Cavaliers star inked a movie and TV deal with Warner Bros. Pictures. Now, on the heels of a role in last year’s rom-com Trainwreck, LeBron James has officially been confirmed to headline Space Jam 2.
Plot details are practically non-existent at such an early stage, but it’s a safe bet that Warner Bros. and now Justin Lin will circle back to the creative well of Looney Tunes mascots – Daffy Duck, Lola Bunny...
Penning the script alongside screenwriter Andrew Dodge, it’s understood the long-rumored basketball sequel will welcome LeBron James to the fray, who first became linked with said follow-up back in 2012, before fuelling speculation three years later when the Cleveland Cavaliers star inked a movie and TV deal with Warner Bros. Pictures. Now, on the heels of a role in last year’s rom-com Trainwreck, LeBron James has officially been confirmed to headline Space Jam 2.
Plot details are practically non-existent at such an early stage, but it’s a safe bet that Warner Bros. and now Justin Lin will circle back to the creative well of Looney Tunes mascots – Daffy Duck, Lola Bunny...
- 5/2/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Joe Pytka, the man behind thousands of other commercials including the Budweiser Clydesdale ads along with the “This is your brain on drugs” PSA, is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Achievement in Television Direction from the DGA. The honor will be presented at the 68th annual DGA Awards on February 6 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Pytka has created more than 5,000 TV commercials, including 80-plus that aired during the Super Bowl, and…...
- 11/23/2015
- Deadline TV
Paris-based industry veteran, who also works with actor Amr Waked, deepens ties with Egypt.
Paris-based producer Daniel Ziskind has signed to act as the European representative of Egyptian Mohamed Hefzy’s Cairo-based production house Film Clinic.
Under the accord, Ziskind will support Film Clinic’s co-production and sales activities in Europe.
“I’m very happy to join the Film Clinic family,” Ziskind said. “The company has a great line-up and strategy.”
First feature
The first project under the collaboration will be Mohamed Diab’s drama Clash, his second film after the much-praised Cairo 678 tackling sexual harassment through the experiences of women on a bus.
Set against the backdrop of violent demonstrations that erupted at the end of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi’s Islamist reign in summer of 2013, Clash revolves around two groups of opposing protestors who find themselves trapped in the same police van as fighting rages around them.
“It’s a timely...
Paris-based producer Daniel Ziskind has signed to act as the European representative of Egyptian Mohamed Hefzy’s Cairo-based production house Film Clinic.
Under the accord, Ziskind will support Film Clinic’s co-production and sales activities in Europe.
“I’m very happy to join the Film Clinic family,” Ziskind said. “The company has a great line-up and strategy.”
First feature
The first project under the collaboration will be Mohamed Diab’s drama Clash, his second film after the much-praised Cairo 678 tackling sexual harassment through the experiences of women on a bus.
Set against the backdrop of violent demonstrations that erupted at the end of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi’s Islamist reign in summer of 2013, Clash revolves around two groups of opposing protestors who find themselves trapped in the same police van as fighting rages around them.
“It’s a timely...
- 4/9/2015
- ScreenDaily
Looney Tunes icon Chuck Jones hated it, kids loved it, and the rest of the world didn’t know what to make of it. We’re talking about Joe Pytka’s 1996 film Space Jam, of course. At the height of his popularity, basketball star Michael Jordan appeared in the movie as a mentor/captive to a slew of animated Looney Tunes characters as they planned a round of ball against a group of alien slavers. Yes, we’re talking about that movie — the one in which Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, Charles Barkley, Muggsy Bogues and Shawn Bradley were all turned into giant basketball-playing “Monstars.” Everyone needs a paycheck sometimes, we suppose. Last month, a group of actors and all-star ballers got together to perform a live read of Space...
Read More...
Read More...
- 4/18/2014
- by Alison Nastasi
- Movies.com
With March Madness in full swing, Xfinity on Demand is featuring films that will prepare you for the occasion. "Blue Chips," “Space Jam,” and "Radio" are available. Haven’t seen them, or want to watch them again? Check out the descriptions below and tune in. "Blue Chips" – A college basketball coach, played by Nick Nolte, bends the rules in order to get the players he needs to stay competitive in this film featuring Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway as talented finds, and directed by William Friedkin ("The Exorcist"). "Space Jam" – Michael Jordan meets Bugs Bunny in this fantasy from music video director Joe Pytka (the man behind Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel" and...
- 3/26/2013
- by Shadow And Act
- ShadowAndAct
Call it one entertainment icon's tribute to another.
When Michael Jackson's classic release "Bad" debuted in 1987, Spike Lee's filmmaking career was just starting to take hold. The director pays tribute to the fifth-best-selling album of all time -- which yielded such singles as the title cut, "Man in the Mirror," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Smooth Criminal" and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" -- in the documentary "Bad 25," which ABC gives a Thanksgiving night television premiere Thursday, Nov. 22.
Lee interviews such other Jackson collaborators as fellow moviemakers Martin Scorsese and Joe Pytka in creating a remembrance of how "Bad" came to be, utilizing archival footage that also recalls the global concert tour Jackson launched in support of the album. Results included sales of approximately 45 million copies and five chart-topping singles, a record tied only relatively recently by Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream."
"Do the Right Thing,...
When Michael Jackson's classic release "Bad" debuted in 1987, Spike Lee's filmmaking career was just starting to take hold. The director pays tribute to the fifth-best-selling album of all time -- which yielded such singles as the title cut, "Man in the Mirror," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Smooth Criminal" and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" -- in the documentary "Bad 25," which ABC gives a Thanksgiving night television premiere Thursday, Nov. 22.
Lee interviews such other Jackson collaborators as fellow moviemakers Martin Scorsese and Joe Pytka in creating a remembrance of how "Bad" came to be, utilizing archival footage that also recalls the global concert tour Jackson launched in support of the album. Results included sales of approximately 45 million copies and five chart-topping singles, a record tied only relatively recently by Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream."
"Do the Right Thing,...
- 11/22/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Spike Lee's Bad 25 is fantastic. I saw it in Toronto and gave it one of my most positive reviews of the year. Centering on the creation of Michael Jackson's record-breaking 1987 album "Bad", the doc speaks with those closest to Jackson during those years and finally pushes aside the attention whores most commonly interviewed when talking about the late singer. Here's a snippet from my review: I was enthralled listening to Bruce Swedien discussing his work as Michael's audio engineer. Lee talks with Quincy Jones, Joe Pytka (director of "Dirty Diana" and The Way You Make Me Feel"), Steve Stevens on being called in to play guitar on "Dirty Diana", Ruben Blades on working with Michael to translate "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" into Spanish, Greg Phillinganes (synthesizer) and Matt Forger's genuine sincerity discussing his work with Michael at his Hayvenhurst home. Then, of course, there...
- 10/19/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Where the lackluster concert documentary This is It looked to capitalize on Michael Jackson's death, Spike Lee's Bad 25 explores the life and creative genius of Michael Jackson using the making of his 1987 album "Bad" as the narrative device on this, the album's 25th anniversary. Dedicating time to all eleven songs on the record-breaking album, Lee uses the making of each song and subsequent music video to shape a narrative that moves effortlessly despite its two hour and 11 minute running time. In short, it's excellent. I should mention first, I'm a huge fan of Michael Jackson. The news of his death was entirely surreal to me, hitting me harder a day later than it did the day it was first reported. Our world has plenty of tragic figures and, to me, the tragedy that befell Michael Jackson is rather gut-wrenching. This doc makes it even a little harder...
- 9/14/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Spike Lee's "Bad 25," a documentary about Michael Jackson and the making of his seminal "Bad" album (a quarter-century old this year), has been picked up by ABC for a Thanksgiving broadcast premiere. Lee made the film in cooperation with Jackson's estate and Legacy/Epic Records, and includes in it never-before-seen footage of the King of Pop as he records and then tours to support "Bad." According to ABC, this is "the first ever in-depth, behind-the-scenes film project to chronicle a Michael Jackson album and tour." Lee's interviewees include Martin Scorsese, Joe Pytka, Quincy Jones, Mariah Carey, Kanye West and many others. Read More: Spike Lee Talks to Indiewire: "I'm not going to let other people dictate the stories I tell." The album's 25th anniversary is on September 18th, and will be commemorated with deluxe rereleases of the album. "Bad 25" is premiering at the Venice Film...
- 8/30/2012
- by Alison Willmore
- Indiewire
One film I'm hoping will fit my Toronto Film Festival schedule is Spike Lee's Bad 25, described as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Michael Jackson's "Bad" album with unseen footage, content shot by Jackson himself, and a treasure chest of findings. If you didn't know, I was a huge Jackson fan, which was probably evident based on the article I wrote the day after he died. Bad 25 runs 131 minutes long and is divided into two parts: artists today who were influenced by Michael, and people who worked by his side -- musicians, songwriters, technicians, engineers, people at the label -- all committed to Michael and the follow-up to the biggest record of all time, "Thriller." Interviewees include Kanye West, Sheryl Crow, Cee Lo Green, Mariah Carey and Martin Scorsese, the latter of which directed the full short film for Jackson's title song, which I...
- 8/29/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
ABC has acquired TV rights to Spike Lee’s Michael Jackson documentary Bad 25, which marks the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking album. The network said it would air a version of the documentary at Thanksgiving but will announce details later. Lee worked with the Michael Jackson estate to cull rarely or never seen footage for Bad 25 which is also screening at the Venice and Toronto film festivals. ABC said the movie will provide an in-depth exploration of the album and tour. In addition to Jackson’s confidants, choreographers, musicians and collaborators, Lee interviewed director Martin Scorsese, Joe Pytka and others who worked on Bad videos. Bad also marked the third and final album collaboration for Jackson and Quincy Jones. Among numerous distinctions, the album has generated over 45 million units in sales. The album’s 25th Anniversary will be celebrated September 18 when Legacy/Epic Records releases deluxe editions of the album.
- 8/28/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Rank the week of October 4th’s Blu-ray and DVD new releases against the best films of all-time: New Releases Fast Five
(Blu-ray & DVD | PG13 | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #803
Win Percentage: 57%
Times Ranked: 5781
Top-20 Rankings: 40
Directed By: Justin Lin
Starring: Dwayne Johnson • Vin Diesel • Paul Walker • Jordana Brewster • Elsa Pataky
Genres: Action • Action Thriller • Chase Movie • Crime • Drama • Thriller
Rank This Movie
Scream 4
(Blu-ray & DVD | R | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #1420
Win Percentage: 49%
Times Ranked: 6843
Top-20 Rankings: 26
Directed By: Wes Craven
Starring: Alison Brie • Neve Campbell • David Arquette • Hayden Panettiere • Courteney Cox
Genres: Horror • Mystery • Slasher Film • Thriller
Rank This Movie
Submarine
(Blu-ray & DVD | Nr | 2010)
Flickchart Ranking: #2772
Win Percentage: 60%
Times Ranked: 1079
Top-20 Rankings: 10
Directed By: Richard Ayoade
Starring: Craig Roberts • Yasmin Paige • Sally Hawkins • Paddy Considine • Noah Taylor
Genres: Comedy Drama • Coming-of-Age • Drama
Rank This Movie
Classics & Re-releases Salo, Or The 120 Days Of Sodom
(Criterion Blu-ray & DVD | Nr | 1976)
Flickchart Ranking: #4386
Win Percentage: 43%
Times Ranked:...
(Blu-ray & DVD | PG13 | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #803
Win Percentage: 57%
Times Ranked: 5781
Top-20 Rankings: 40
Directed By: Justin Lin
Starring: Dwayne Johnson • Vin Diesel • Paul Walker • Jordana Brewster • Elsa Pataky
Genres: Action • Action Thriller • Chase Movie • Crime • Drama • Thriller
Rank This Movie
Scream 4
(Blu-ray & DVD | R | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #1420
Win Percentage: 49%
Times Ranked: 6843
Top-20 Rankings: 26
Directed By: Wes Craven
Starring: Alison Brie • Neve Campbell • David Arquette • Hayden Panettiere • Courteney Cox
Genres: Horror • Mystery • Slasher Film • Thriller
Rank This Movie
Submarine
(Blu-ray & DVD | Nr | 2010)
Flickchart Ranking: #2772
Win Percentage: 60%
Times Ranked: 1079
Top-20 Rankings: 10
Directed By: Richard Ayoade
Starring: Craig Roberts • Yasmin Paige • Sally Hawkins • Paddy Considine • Noah Taylor
Genres: Comedy Drama • Coming-of-Age • Drama
Rank This Movie
Classics & Re-releases Salo, Or The 120 Days Of Sodom
(Criterion Blu-ray & DVD | Nr | 1976)
Flickchart Ranking: #4386
Win Percentage: 43%
Times Ranked:...
- 10/4/2011
- by Jonathan Hardesty
- Flickchart
Actor-comedian Richard Belzer will host the fourth annual DGA Honors on Nov. 16, and Julianne Moore and Melissa Gilbert have been tapped as presenters. Moore will present the honor to Robert Altman, while Gilbert will present to AFL-CIO president John Sweeney. Also set to be honored are filmmaker Curtis Hanson, commercial director Joe Pytka and Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine. The awards will be held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York and will include the presentation of a $10,000 scholarship to the USC film program.
- 10/31/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Filmmakers Robert Altman and Curtis Hanson are among the select group set to be recognized at the fourth annual DGA Honors on Nov.16. Commercial director Joe Pytka, U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, and AFL-CIO president John Sweeney also will be honored at the black-tie gala at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York. The annual honors recognize individuals and organizations that have made distinguished contributions to U.S. culture in support of filmmaking and television. "This year's honorees are an extraordinary example of the unparalleled creativity, skill and leadership in our industry," DGA president Michael Apted said.
- 9/19/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.