There's been a last-minute change in the "Space Jam 2" locker room, with the long-awaited sequel subbing out its director.

Deadline reports that the flick has replaced original helmer Terence Nance ("Random Acts of Flyness," "The Oversimplification of Her Beauty") with Malcolm D. Lee ("Girls Trip," "Night School"), apparently over creative differences. According to the trade, the split was "amicable," with Nance not seeing eye to eye on the film's vision with studio Warner Bros. and producer SpringHill Entertainment (which is run by NBA superstar LeBron James, who spearheaded the sequel, and who's also starring).

With Lee now on board, it seems that "Space Jam 2" is very much leaning into a comedic vibe, which makes sense, since the animated Looney Tunes characters will be co-starring, just as they did in the original 1996 flick. Though not much is known about the plot just yet, the follow-up reportedly revolves heavily around a family, made up of James, Sonequa Martin-Green (playing his wife), and a teen character; Don Cheadle was also recently cast in a mystery role.

Other NBA and WNBA players who have reportedly signed on to appear include: Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis, Portland Trailblazers’ Damian Lillard, Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson, Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi, and Los Angeles Sparks’ siblings Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike.

"Black Panther" writer-director Ryan Coogler is producing, and co-wrote the screenplay with Sev Ohanian ("Searching"). "Space Jam 2" is currently slated to tip off in theaters on July 16, 2021.

[via: Deadline]