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Space Jam 2: Steph Curry Stealing Lebron James’ Leading Role?

By Dustin Kemp
Published on: 18:20 PST, May 13, 2016

As of late, the media has covered to death the fact that LeBron James is expected to take on the leading role in Space Jam 2. Recent reports, though, as well as protests by Space Jam fans and the director of the first Space Jam film, have suggested that Stephen Curry, and not LeBron James, is actually a much more appropriate man for the job.

The reason LeBron is not fit for the role was perhaps best stated by Space Jam director Joe Pytka. The original Space Jam starred Michael Jordan, and Pytka argued to The Hollywood Reporter that LeBron has no chance of equaling the star-power Jordan brought to Space Jam if he were to take the starring role in Space Jam 2.

“Michael Jordan was the biggest star on the planet,” Pytka said.

The star power is what made Space Jam‘s lead role work, Pytka noted.

He went on that in the small stretch of time since LeBron James was chosen as Space Jam 2‘s star, his status as the most highly regarded player in the NBA has already been taken by the Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry.

Many NBA fans on social media share Pytka’s opinion about Curry having overtaken James as the face of the league.

Reputable sources, such as large publications and even other NBA players, agree that Steph Curry is the game’s new champion.

“Curry is the best player in the world, and it doesn’t look as if anybody is coming for the championship belt anytime soon,” writes Business Insider.

Even Curry himself has said outright that he is a better offensive player than James.

The Inquisitr previously reported that Stephen Curry jersey sales surpassed sales of LeBron jerseys last year, and remain the best-selling jerseys of any player in the league, which proves Curry is currently more popular, at least.

The sentiment is mirrored by ESPN/ABC analyst Jalen Rose, who points out that Curry is extremely likeable and charismatic, even more so than Space Jam‘s Michael Jordan.

“Steph Curry looks different,” rose said recently, according to Mercury News.

“The best player in the league usually is also physically imposing. He’s 6-foot-6-plus, with a scowl on his face and is menacing with the attitude that we appreciated because of Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal or Kobe Bryant — just a cutthroat nature. Steph allows us into his living room.”

Whether or not Steph is a talented player is of course crucial to his chances of replacing LeBron James in Space Jam 2, but the “perceived likable-ness” factor is also very important. After all, there is no doubt NBA fans will be more willing to pay money in order to see a star who they like on a personal level as well as a purely ability-based level.

Social media seems to agree with the idea that Curry is more of a crowd-pleaser, too.

LeBron and Steph Curry have not been getting along too well as of late, what with their feud about whether Curry is deserving of his “Most Valuable Player” title, and this Space Jam 2 leading role controversy is likely to only add more fuel to the fire.

Cleveland.com reports that LeBron James is yet to confirm his involvement in the Space Jam sequel, so there is still time for the film’s producers or rumored director Justin Lin to find a replacement for their lead role.

Either way, Space Jam 2 is not set to be released for at least another two years. Would your choice for the film’s star be LeBron James, Steph Curry, or another player entirely? Make yourself heard in the comments section below.

[Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images]

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