Muggsy Bogues can’t see LeBron’s ‘Space Jam 2’ topping the original

MANILA, Philippines—Back in 1996, Michael Jordan played arguably the most important game of his illustrious basketball career.

His Airness didn’t wear the iconic red-and-black of the Chicago Bulls but instead rocked an unfamiliar yet still memorable white with blue and orange trim when he led the ragtag Tune Squad to a 78-77 victory over the Monstars in Space Jam to save his livelihood, his teammates, his opponents and in the process, probably the world.

That was the climax of Space Jam—Jordan’s only feature film, starring other NBA greats, that grossed a total of $90.46 million in the box office making it the 18th most successful movie of 1996.

LeBron James is making the sequel Space Jam that is set to air in July of 2021, 25 years after Jordan teamed up with Bugs Bunny, Lola Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety Bird, Sylvester the Cat, Bill Murray, and Wayne Knight.

James has yet to complete the cast of Space Jam 2 but Muggsy Bogues, whose cartoon equivalent was Monstar Nawt, doubts if James’ iteration would live up to the original.

“I can’t see it topping [the original] or maybe it would be something for this generation,” said Bogues Wednesday at Conrad Manila during the NBA 3X Philippines media availability. “I have to see how it would all play out.”

Bogues, who technically helped the Monstars, added that James and his new teammates would have to go bigger in surpassing the conflict the original Space Jam presented.

“I have no clue what their concept is, but we saved the planet. I don’t know what they’re going to do, maybe say save the universe,” said Bogues.

As for participation in the sequel, Bogues said no one from James’ staff approached him for a role.