The long-awaited sequel to '90s flick "Space Jam" is one step closer to becoming a reality: Justin Lin is reportedly in talks to direct the follow-up.

The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop, writing that the director -- who'll next hit the big screen with "Star Trek Beyond" -- is currently in negotiations to helm "Space Jam 2," which will star NBA superstar LeBron James. And Lin reportedly comes as a package deal with writer Andrew Dodge, with whom the director is currently working on an untitled comedy screenplay and an upcoming HBO project.

Securing both a writer and director is good news for the flick, which has been churning through the rumor mill for a number of years (the first film hit theaters way back in 1996). James fanned the flames last summer when his production company signed a development deal with "Space Jam" studio Warner Bros. -- whose classic cartoon characters, including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, featured prominently in the original flick -- and later confirmed his interest in the project. Now, it seems like it's full steam ahead for the feature.

There's still no word yet on if this flick will be a direct sequel or a reboot of the "Space Jam" concept, which centered around the Looney Tunes battling evil aliens on the basketball court alongside legends like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Larry Bird. James would take over for Jordan this time around in the lead role, though we'd expect Jordan to at least make a cameo of some kind in the sequel. No other current NBA stars have entered the mix just yet.

Stay tuned to see who else joins the "Space Jam 2" team.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]

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