It's been almost 25 years since the initial release of Michael Jordan's "Space Jam," and now LeBron James will star in the 2021 version titled "Space Jam: A New Legacy."

While the movie is often referred to as Space Jam 2, it's actually not a sequel to the original film as "everyone involved is quick" to point out. Although Warner Bros. did attempt several different variants of a sequel to the original film. The company initially tried an actual sequel, but Jordan wasn't interested in it.

Watch Now - Space Jam: A New Legacy Online

Space Jam 2 release date

July 16, 2021

"Space Jam: A New Legacy" will release in theaters and for streaming on Friday, July 16, more than 25 years after the original classic featuring Michael Jordan premiered in 1996.

How to watch Space Jam 2

There are two ways to watch "Space Jam: A New Legacy." You can either watch in theaters, or stream it through HBO Max. If you're more of a theater person, then tickets for in-person screenings are available for pre-order now. The movie is rated PG for some cartoon violence and some language.

Watch Now - Space Jam: A New Legacy Online

How to stream Space Jam 2 on HBO Max

You can stream "Space Jam: A New Legacy" on HBO Max, although you need a subscription to the service. HBO Max costs $15/month without ads or $10 a month with ads. The good thing about HBO Max is that unlike Disney Plus, there is no extra fee to watch a movie on the app that is also in theaters.

HBO Max is available in the Amazon Appstore, Apple App Store, Google Play, Roku Channel Store and Samsung TV. You can also subscribe through a cable or satellite TV provider, or through a YouTube TV membership.

WHERE TO WATCH SPACE JAM 2: A NEW LEGACY

Space Jam: A New Legacy will release in cinemas worldwide and on HBO Max in countries where the streaming service is available.

Like all of Warner Bros. films in 2021, Space Jam: A New Legacy will be releasing in both cinemas and online via HBO Max to give fans the option of watching from home.

Watch Now - Space Jam: A New Legacy Online

The film will be available on HBO Max for 30 days following its release but the service is not available globally.

Where HBO Max is not available, Space Jam 2 will be exclusive to cinemas.

HOW TO STREAM SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY

Space Jam: A New Legacy will only be available to stream on HBO Max in countries where it is available and will not be coming to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu or any other major streaming service.

HBO Max has two price tiers but to watch Space Jam: A New Legacy, fans will have to select the more expensive no-ads premium tier, which is priced at $14.99 per month.

Fans could also save 16% by paying for a full year which costs $149.99 for the premium tier.

Republic Records and Warner Bros. Pictures revealed the soundtrack for "Space Jam: A New Legacy" a week before the release date. The 16-track playlist includes songs from Lil Baby, Lil Wayne, Chance The Rapper, John Legend, the Jonas Brothers. Even Damian Lillard (aka Dame D.O.L.L.A.) has a track.

The original Space Jam soundtrack went platinum six times after its 1996 debut, including songs like 'I Believe I Can Fly" and 'Fly Like an Eagle" that became pop culture classics.

NBA & WNBA Players in Space Jam 2

• Anthony Davis
• Damian Lillard
• Klay Thompson
• Diana Taurasi
• Nneka Ogwumike

These players will make up this movie's version of The Monstars. Unfortunately for nostalgic fans, The Monstars have been rebranded into the Goon Squad. The Goon Squad is made up of Arachnneka (Ogwumike), The Brow (Davis), Wet-Fire (Thompson), White Mamba (Taurasi), and Chronos (Lillard).

Is Space Jam 2 a sequel?

While many people refer to this movie as Space Jam 2, it's actually not a sequel to the original film. It also is not a reboot of the original.

"It's not a sequel," James said on the Road Trippin' podcast. "It's called Space Jam: A New Legacy, it's not called Space Jam 2. There will be a basketball game, I'll say that. And there will be some people that are a little out of this world that we're competing against."

Is Michael Jordan in Space Jam 2?

Yes, at least according to Don Cheadle.

Speaking with Access Hollywood, Cheadle said, "Michael Jordan is in the movie, but not in the way you'd expect it." It's not clear what he means by that, but there will at least be some sort of reference to Jordan in this movie.