“I was just so happy.”
And when Dom’s tech skills draw the attention of a rogue A.I.
How will they get out?
Warner Bros. Pictures
Well, round up the Looney Tunes and play a basketball game, of course!
CEDRIC JOE:Oh yeah, definitely, because growing up I was always a big fan of basketball.
My first reaction when I heard about it, I was thinking, “AnotherSpace Jam?!
Warner Bros. Pictures
In my generation?!
That is going to be dope.”
So my reaction was crazy.
What was that audition process like?
Did you eventually screen test opposite LeBron?
That was the same day I had a chemistry read for another role.
And so when I did the audition, I went in there, got a callback.
I was like, “I must have done something right.”
I actually got the call opening night of my play, because we had been rehearsing for months.
I was like, “What’s about to happen?”
I cried tears of joy.
I was just so happy.
I need to go back to something you said earlier: LeBron is your GOAT?
So what’s your team?
Or are you one of those LeBron fans who follow him wherever he goes?
I was like, “What more can happen?”
Well, if only your summer 2018 self could see what else happened!
Pivoting to your famous costars, where are you in terms of Looney Tunes fandom?
BesidesSpace Jam, is that something your generation even has a connection to?
For me, personally, it was theSpace Jammovie that really brought me closer to them.
But my dad grew up watching the Looney Tunes and his favorite is Porky Pig.
Him telling me that before I even got the part, I started watching Looney Tunes.
And I love Daffy Duck, he is hilarious to me.
When he talks and he spits, it’s just so goofy.
The Looney Tunes, it’s so goofy that it’s funny.
So who were you more excited to share the screen with: LeBron or Daffy?
Daffy Duck or LeBron?
I ain’t gonna lie, LeBron might have to step down on this one.
[Laughs] I had tons of fun filming with Daffy.
Daffy has enough shine already, let’s talk about Dom.
Basketball is what we grew up doing and seeing our dad play basketball, basketball is everything.
But it’s not exactly everything to Dom.
He wants to explore more with technology, and specifically gaming.
Creating games and playing games is more what he’s into and I think that’s really cool.
From everyone I’ve talked to, the heart of this story is about a father and a son.
And me growing up with a dad, I know how that bond is.
Did you end up talking to his real kids at all?
It was more physical and less verbal, just watching.
How would you grade LeBron as movie dad?
He actually surprised me.
Because going into it, I think he’s a basketball player.
But he’s a really great actor.
LeBron is actually areallygreat actor.
As a self-proclaimed diehard Laker and LeBron fan, that had to be pretty surreal.
Oh yeah, behind the scenes, it was so much fun.
We definitely went at it a couple times.
We did a lot of free throw contests.
I never understood it.
I think I did win two games.
I even got to play Don Cheadle a little bit.
We played a game of HORSE and I ended up winning.
It was really cool getting to shoot and still play basketball, two things I love.
Did LeBron give you any tips?
you’re free to’t ask for a better personal coach.
He did give me tips on different layups and stuff.
Because of how I was playing.
It was pretty dope getting that advice from my greatest of all-time.
Thinking back to production, is there a moment that sticks out to you?
Maybe it was a favorite moment with LeBron.
Man, the whole process for me was super great.
I would say just being there filming with LeBron and Don.
Has it even fully sunk in that you’re one of the stars of aSpace Jammovie?
Or will that not hit you until closer to release?
I think it will hit me when it’s closer to coming out.
I don’t really think it’s hit me as hard yet because I’m still waiting.
I’m definitely excited for the release.
And your movie mom is played byWalking DeadalumSonequa Martin-Green.
What was it like working with her?
Her playing my mother was cool.
Everybody was so great.
It was really a family, you could feel the bond we had.
What would be your message to fans of the original who are very eagerly anticipating the new film?
For me, I think if you love the firstSpace Jam, you’re gonna love this one.
It’s going to be legendary, that’s what I can say.
Fans are going to love it.
They are going to fall in love with it, the story, the characters.
It’s going to be great.
BesidesNew Legacy, where can we see you next?
I am currently in Mississippi filming [ABC’s limited series]Women of the Movementandstarring as Emmett Till.
So look out for that.
I’m so blessed and humbled to be a part of everything that is going on right now.
You’ve got LeBron here and thenJay-ZandWill Smithas producers onWomen of the Movement.
You’re working with all the GOATs.
Yeah, it’s definitely dope.
Watching them act is like watching Albert Einstein solving an impossible math equation.
Space Jam: A New Legacypremieres July 16 in theaters and on HBO Max.
