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'Space Jam 2' director leaves 3 weeks after LeBron James announced production had begun

Stop us if you have heard this before. A LeBron James production is swapping out decision-makers.

Terence Nance, the director of “Space Jam 2” starring James, is exiting the project and will be replaced by veteran comedy director Malcolm D. Lee, according to Deadline.

Per the report, Nance’s departure was described as “amicable,” with the crux of the split being the director and studio/producers having different creative visions for the project.

‘Space Jam 2’ production has already begun

Nance is exiting three weeks after James proudly announced production on “Space Jam 2” had begun, though the movie is clearly dealing with an unusual shooting schedule due to having to work around the busy lives of several NBA and WNBA stars.

Just last week, Deadline reported that Don Cheadle had joined the project.

James’ Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard, Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson, Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi and Los Angeles Sparks power forward Nneka Ogwumike are all reported to occupy “key roles” in the movie. You could assume that means they’ll be the five players to have their talents stolen in the movie.

With the NBA offseason still ongoing, Thompson was seen on set during filming early in production.

EL SEGUNDO, CA - JULY 13: LeBron James (R) talks with Anthony Davis after during a press conference where Davis was introduced as the newest player of the Los Angeles Lakers at UCLA Health Training Center on July 13, 2019 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be working with a new director on "Space Jam 2." (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Lee, the new director of the movie, holds several comedy directing credits that go as far back as 1999. His two most recent productions are 2018’s “Night School,” starring Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish, and 2017’s “Girls Trip,” starring Haddish and Regina Hall. Both films were box-office successes.

With Lee now onboard and working with James’ SpringHill Entertainment, “Space Jam 2” is still scheduled for its far-away July 16, 2021 release date.

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