There’s only one day left until it’s time for everybody to “get up, it’s time to slam now!”
Welcome to a ‘Space Jam’ summer.
The highly anticipated “Space Jam” sequel, “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” is one day away from hitting theaters on July 16.
It’s stirred up A LOT of buzz and stars LeBron James as the main attraction. Michael Jordan was the star of the OG film.
This ‘Space Jam’ centers around James fighting to get save his technology obsessed son, Dom, from the “Server-verse.” James and the “Tune Squad” must play and win a game of basketball against the ghastly “Goon Squad” to ensure the safe return of his son.
In addition to James’ star power, the sequel will feature the voices of celebrities like Gabriel Iglesias and Zendaya.
The ‘Euphoria’ star voices Lola Bunny, whose character got a major makeover from the original film.
When the first looks from ‘SJ2’ initially came out, many fans of the film were up in arms over Lola’s more conservative, less “sexy” look.
Welcome to the Space Jam!
Back in March, the film’s director, Malcolm D. Lee, explained to Entertainment Weekly why he chose to give the character a makeover.
He told EW, Lola Bunny’s new design was intended to focus less on her physical attributes and more on the strength of her character. While watching the original film, Lee says he was immediately ‘caught off guard’ by how sexualized Lola was on screen.
“This is 2021. It’s important to reflect the authenticity of strong, capable female characters,” Lee told the outlet.
The OG Lola!
Now, in a new interview with the same publication, Lee and Zendaya, spoke out about the criticism the new Lola received.
“I had no idea that people would be that up in arms about a bunny not having boobs,” Lee tells EW. “Listen, I understand people don’t want things to change, but I think we needed some evolution with her, not by objectifying her but by making her strong and still feminine. And, yes, we had all these other women who were like, ‘Oh, you can’t be strong and have big boobs?!’ Sure you can, but we’re talking about a cartoon bunny not women!”
Z admits her favorite ‘SJ’ character is Bugs Bunny, but she’s always had an appreciation for Lola.
“I’ve always appreciated Lola because she’s the only girl on the team, kind of holding it down for the ladies — and she’s also an incredible player. I think in this reimagining of who she is, it just leans into that a little bit more, the fact that she’s got these skills and she’s an MVP,” the actress said. “I’m glad they thought maybe I could use my voice and bring her to life. She’s a badass bunny.”
When asked about the intense backlash Zendaya said, “I didn’t know that was going to happen either! I definitely know we love her, but I didn’t know it was going to be as much of a focus as it was. But I understand, because she’s a lovable character. She’s very important, so I get it.”
New & Improved!
The Emmy-winner admitted she understands the sense of protection people have over Lola’s image, but at the end of the day, Zendaya was just there to do her job and do it well!
