Josh 'Hat' Lieberman, a storyboard artist on the 2021 animated/live-action hybrid film Space Jam: A New Legacy, recently unveiled an intriguing revelation about the film's original concept—an intersection with the Pokémon universe.
The Deleted Pokémon Sequence: LeBron, Bugs, and Daffy's Pokémon Adventure
In a recently shared YouTube video, Lieberman showcased a cut scene he wrote and storyboarded for Space Jam: A New Legacy. The scene involved LeBron James and Bugs Bunny exploring various Warner Bros. IP worlds to reunite the disbanded Looney Tunes. Notably, the deleted sequence brought them into the world of Pokémon, where Daffy had transformed into a Pokémon trainer. The scene, though loved by Pokémon executives, faced the chopping block during the film's evolution.
Pokémon's Brief But Exciting Stint in Space Jam: A New Legacy
While Space Jam: A New Legacy primarily delves into Warner Bros. properties, the potential crossover with Pokémon added an exciting layer to the film. Despite its deletion, the sequence received positive feedback from Nintendo, demonstrating the collaboration's potential success.
Theatrical Outcome and Looney Tunes' Future
In the final theatrical cut, LeBron and Bugs venture into the DC Universe to recruit Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, providing a glimpse into the superhero-themed setting. Despite the film's critical reception, it grossed over $160 million worldwide. The future of the Looney Tunes franchise remains uncertain, with the fate of the James Gunn-produced Coyote vs. Acme movie yet to be determined. However, Looney Tunes enthusiasts can look forward to The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, slated for a theatrical release this year.