Original ‘Space Jam’ Director Slams ‘New Legacy’ Film: LeBron James Ain’t Michael Jordan

LeBron James, Michael Jordan

Original ‘Space Jam’ Director Slams ‘New Legacy’ Film: LeBron James Ain’t Michael Jordan

It’s no secret fans are comparing LeBron James’ Space Jam: A New Legacy to the original, which starred Michael Jordan. The latest to join the conversation is the director of the 1996 film, Joe Pytka, and it’s safe to say he’s not impressed.

Space Jam: A New Legacy was released on July 16 and brought in $31.7 million its opening weekend. While it surpassed expectations, Joe Pytka told TMZ that he thought the two-hour film was so boring, he couldn’t watch it one sitting. He said he had to sit down five different times to finish the movie.

He compared LeBron James’ current star power to Michael Jordan’s celebrity status in the ’90s and said,

“The truth is that LeBron ain’t Michael.”

He also pointed out that, unlike the original film’s connection to Michael Jordan’s personal life as he retired from the NBA, New Legacy was missing the personal link to LeBron James. 

He went on to take shots at the supporting cast and said while 1996’s movie had appearances from the likes of Charles Barkley and Bill Murray, he can’t recall what NBA stars Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard did in New Legacy. 

While he adds that the new movie’s soundtrack is “insignificant” he said his real issue is Bugs Bunny’s “heartbreaking” storyline.

He summed up hist thoughts and said New Legacy 

“looked like one of those fluffy dolls you buy at an airport gift shop to bring your kid when your business trip has taken too long.”

Still, despite all of his criticism, he noted that his Space Jam film didn’t necessarily get rave reviews from critics back in the day, but it still went on to become a classic movie. He made it clear he’s not mad at the film, he just isn’t impressed.

Do you agree with Joe Pytka? Comment and let us know.