Justin Lin climbs aboard Space Jam sequel

Director Justin Lin has signed on to develop a sequel to cult basketball comedy Space Jam, starring LeBron James.
The Fast Five filmmaker will co-write the script with Andrew Dodge and Alfredo Botello, while Lin is also in talks to direct and produce the project via his Perfect Storm Entertainment company, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The news emerges months after rumours of a Space Jam sequel first picked up pace, after studio bosses at Warner Bros. filed new trademarks for the franchise in June, 2015.
Reports of a follow-up to the 1996 film were further fuelled when LeBron and his production partners at SpringHill Entertainment inked a new business deal with executives at Warner Bros. Entertainment, encompassing projects in TV and film.
The Cleveland Cavaliers star, who displayed his comic timing in Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck last year (15), is now set to show off his acting skills in Space Jam 2, following in the footsteps of basketball legend Michael Jordan, who agreed to help beloved Looney Toons’ characters win a basketball match against aliens to win their freedom in the 20-year-old original.
The live-action/animated film also featured other basketball greats, such as Larry Bird and Charles Barkley, and actors Danny DeVito and Bill Murray.
A release date for the Space Jam sequel has yet to be announced, but it is the latest big project to be added to Lin’s slate. The filmmaker, known for his work on the Fast & Furious franchise, is currently putting the finishing touches to the upcoming Star Trek Beyond, which is set to hit theatres in July (16).