Justin Lin to direct 'Space Jam' sequel

Director Justin Lin has signed on to develop a sequel to cult basketball comedy 'Space Jam', starring Lebron James. The '

Fast Five

' filmmaker will co-write the script with

Andrew Dodge

and

Alfredo Botello

, while Lin is also in talks to direct and produce the project via his

Perfect Storm Entertainment

company, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The news emerges months after rumours of a '

Space Jam

' sequel first picked up pace, after studio bosses at

Warner Bros

filed new trademarks for the franchise in June, 2015.

Reports of a follow-up to the 1996 film were further fuelled when LeBron and his production partners at

SpringHill Entertainment

inked a new business deal with executives at Warner Bros Entertainment, encompassing projects in TV and film.

Justin Lin in talks to direct 'Space Jam' sequel
The '

Cleveland Cavaliers

' star, who displayed his comic timing in Amy Schumer's '

Trainwreck

' last year, is now set to show off his acting skills in '

Space Jam 2

', following in the footsteps of basketball legend Michael Jordan, who agreed to help beloved Looney Toons' characters win a basketball match against aliens to win their freedom in the 20-year-old original.

The live-action/animated film also featured other basketball greats, such as

Larry Bird

and Charles Barkley, and actors Danny DeVito and Bill Murray.

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