LeBron James
LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena, Nov. 27, 2015, in Charlotte, North Carolina. James is set to star in the sequel to 1996's "Space Jam." Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The debate about whether LeBron James is the NBA's next Michael Jordan might never be settled, but it certainly appears that James will be Jordan's successor in the "Looney Tunes" universe at the very least.

"Space Jam 2," the long awaited sequel to the popular 1996 live-action/animated mash-up "Space Jam" is finally happening. The NBA's LeBron James is set to star in the film, fresh off his critically acclaimed supporting role (as himself) in Amy Schumer's "Trainwreck" in 2015. Justin Lin, who has previously directed "The Fast & The Furious 6" and "Star Trek Beyond," is in talks to helm the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Andrew Dodge is expected to write the screenplay.

The original "Space Jam" starred Jordan as a superstar basketball player — the role did not require too much imagination for the six-time world champion and NBA MVP — tasked with helping the "Looney Tunes" cartoon characters, including Bugs Bunny and the gang, defeat a team of intergalactic foes called the Monstars, who had stolen the talents of other NBA greats. Since rumors of a sequel began brewing a few years ago, James, who currently plays for the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, has been the name on the top of just about everybody's list of possible players to star in the motion picture franchise.

James has made no secret of pursuing the role and news that the basketball-player-turned-part-time-actor signed a deal with Warner Bros. Entertainment to develop projects for television, film and digital only fueled that fire.

When asked on NBC's "Today" in August if "Space Jam 2" would get the green light, James replied, “We hope so,” before adding: “We definitely miss them, Bugs and Daffy and Tasmanian Devil, and every last one of them, so hopefully we can do some great things.”

The original "Space Jam" hauled in more than $230 million worldwide at the box office. Add that to the list of Jordan's career numbers James is currently chasing.

Watch the trailer for the original "Space Jam" below:

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