Space Jam: A New Legacy: Best Easter eggs and basketball references in reboot

Space Jam: A New Legacy has more cameos, easter eggs, and basketball references than you might have expected (Picture: YouTube)

Nearly 25 years since the original movie graced the big scene, the Looney Tunes are back in Space Jam 2.

Space Jam: A New Legacy sees LA Lakers star LeBron James feature as the NBA baller who finds himself playing a game like no other with the world’s favorite cartoon characters by his side.

However, the film also features plenty of other beloved Warner Bros. franchise characters such as Superman and other DC Comics heroes, King Kong, The Iron Giant, The Flinstones, and even Austin Powers.

Plus, basketball fans are in for a treat thanks to plenty of references to viral moments, iconic phrases, and plenty of amazing cameos.

Here are some of the best easter eggs to look out for in the HBO Max flick.

Cameos from the biggest basketball stars

Like with the original movie, real basketball stars helped to make up the team of the opposition, known as the Goon Squad.

LeBron’s fellow Lakers teammate Anthony Davis stars as the villainous bird of prey The Brow, while WNBA superstar Diana Taurasi is also shown as a silky snake aka White Mamba.

Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers is a gold robot with impressive dribbling skills, while Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors appears as Wetfire, who can use the forces of water and fire.

LA Sparks star Nneka Ogwumike stars as Arachnneka thanks to her impressive defense skills while other players like Chris Paul, Chiney Ogwumike, and Draymond Green make an appearance.

Elsewhere, iconic sportscaster Ernie Johnson Jr. features as a commentator alongside actor Lil Rel Howery.

Plus, the director told Metro.co.uk that fans might even get to enjoy a cameo from the OG film’s star, Michael Jordan.

Classic Warner Bros franchises in the ‘Server-verse’

WB clearly wanted to flex their catalog for fun with this film as LeBron spends some time in the Server-Verse, digital universe where every Warner Bros. franchise exists on its own planet – ruled by Don Cheadle’s Al-G Rhythm.

During his mission with Bugs Bunny to assemble the rest of the Looney Tunes from across the Server-Verse, we get to enjoy them appearing in scenes from movies such as The Matrix, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Austin Powers. 

We even take a step into DC Comics and pop into the worlds of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, while there’s a Game of Thrones reference that instantly tickles the crowd.

Famous characters in the basketball game crowd

As if the visit to different WB worlds in the Server-verse wasn’t enough, plently of famous characters are portrayed in the crowd when LeBron and the Toon Squad face off against the Goon Squad.

From Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings and the Night King from Game of Thrones to Pennywise the Clown and The Mask, there are tons for characters to try and spot.

Seriously, we saw Eartha Kitt’s Catwoman and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman mixed with King Kong, The Iron Giant, Jack Nicholson’s Joker and so many more.

Nods to iconic basketball moments

Aside from these appearances, the movie also has incredibly detailed references. The one spotted in the trailer came from this iconic moment between LeBron and Dwyane Wade.

In a transition play between LeBron and Miami Heat teammate Dwayne Wade, Wade and James were captured in one of the most iconic and cold NBA photos of all time. Space Jam 2 seems to replicate this with Lola Bunny taking on the role of the alley-oop assister.

New England Patriots fans might spot a nod to Bill Belichick as the film makes reference to his beloved ‘headphone mic over the hoodie’ stance.

More: US Showbiz news

Elsewhere, Damian Lillard’s goodbye wave to Russell Westbrook gets a nod. As does Kevin Garnett’s famous ‘Anything is possible’ quote.

Space Jam: A New Legacy is in cinemas from July 16.

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