SPACE JAM

Hi there everyone, i’m back! This time I am going to be taking a look at the live action/animated sports comedy hybrid film “SPACE JAM” [1996]!

Do you know who really directed this movie?

JOE PYTKA is credited as the film's DIRECTOR, however many people who worked on the film (mostly the VOICE ACTORS) have all said IVAN REITMAN [1946-2022] was the film's actual DIRECTOR, and that PYTKA was only a DIRECTOR for the animation (PYTKA himself said he had gripes with not having total control). For whatever reason, PYTKA got the main DIRECTOR’S credit, while REITMAN is only credited as a PRODUCER.

[REITMAN]

[PYTKA]

Do you know each of the names of “THE MONSTARS/NERDLUCKS”?

“THE MONSTARS/NERDLUCKS’” names are “POUND” (the ORANGE one), “BANG” (GREEN), “NAWT” (MAGENTA), “BUPKUS” (PURPLE) and “BLANKO” (BLUE). None of their names are mentioned in the film, and neither is the word “NERDLUCK”. However the word “NERDLUCK” was finally used in a crossover with the T.V./movie series “TEEN TITANS GO!” (2013-PRESENT) with this movie which came out 25 years later. [You can find it under the name “TEEN TITANS GO! SEE SPACE JAM” - 2021.]

[“THE NERDLUCKS”]

[“THE MONSTARS”]

[The poster for “TEEN TITANS GO! SEE SPACE JAM”.]

And incase you were wondering: The pseudo-scientific names of the aliens on the "ALIENS FROM MORON MOUNTAIN" blueprint in the brainstorming session scene are: “WORMIUS REPULSUS” (GREEN), “NEWTUS GRODIUS” (PURPLE), “DOPUS ELONGATUS” (BLUE), “ROTUNDUS TEMPERMENTUS” (ORANGE), and “MINIMUS WHINIUS” (MAGENTA).

[Yeah, good luck trying to read the the names from here!]

Did you know that there were plans for a sequel starring JACKIE CHAN?

Although we did eventually get a second “SPACE JAM” movie in 2021 called “SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY” with “NBA LEGEND” LeBRON JAMES! A sequel had been in the works since 1996 when the original “SPACE JAM” had become a box office smash hit. The films LEAD ACTOR and fellow “NBA LEGEND” [THE O.G. G.O.A.T.] MICHAEL JORDAN threw a monkey wrench into those plans when he choose not to star in a sequel, but WARNER BROS. had other plans in mind. One idea that echoed across the studio was “SPY JAM”, a sequel starring LEGENDARY MARTIAL ARTIST AND ACTOR JACKIE CHAN [another O.G. G.O.A.T.]. The project went undeveloped for unknown reasons, although the proposed movie's spy elements stuck around when making “LOONEY TUNES: BACK IN ACTION” [2003].

[JORDAN]

[CHAN doing one of his own stunts on the set of “RUSH HOUR 2” - 2001.]

[A poster for “SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY”.]

[“LOONEY TUNES: BACK IN ACTION” on DVD.]

There were other ideas for a potential sequel that would’ve had other famous ATHLETES in the lead role including:

FORMER NASCAR RACE CAR DRIVER JEFF GORDON,

[GORDON - above - and his RACE CAR. GORDON also makes a cameo appearance in “LOONEY TUNES: BACK IN ACTION”.]

FORMER PROFESSIONAL GOLFER TIGER WOODS,

[WOODS]

and PROFESSIONAL SKATEBOARDER TONY HAWK.

[HAWK]

Working titles for these films include: “RACE JAM”, “GOLF JAM” and “SKATE JAM”.

Did you know that WARNER BROS. built a real BASKETBALL COURT on the set for JORDAN to use?

The filming of “SPACE JAM” happened in the Summer of 1995, shortly after JORDAN announced his return to the NBA in his famous “I’M BACK” press release. At the time he was training tirelessly to get himself back in game shape, and the prospect of shooting the movie would have taken away from his training. The solution: His own court on set. REITMAN explained how they ensured JORDAN could be in the movie and train at the same time. “We built a whole gym for him around the WARNER BRO.S LOT because it was the summer that he was coming back to the league. So every evening after shooting was done, he’d have this whole very complex workout regimen, after which there was a 90-minute game.” STEVE KERR, JORDAN’S teammate at the time, also recalled the training in a 2003 interview with the BBC. “While out in LA, (JORDAN) basically let it be known that any of the NBA guys who were in town should come and play with him. They had unbelievable games all summer long. That meant that when MICHAEL came to TRAINING CAMP he was in incredible shape and incredibly motivated.”

THE “JORDAN DOME” was a state-of-the-art facility in the VIP parking lot. The inflatable dome had a full BASKETBALL COURT, locker rooms with showers, a weight room, big screen T.V.s, a card table, and a putting green.

[THE JORDAN DOME]

Did you know that there are two major references to jordan’s old COLLEGE FRATERNITY days in the movie?

When “DAFFY DUCK” is modeling potential team uniforms for the other “LOONEY TUNES” characters, he states that he's partial to purple and gold. This is a nod to the official colors of OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC. which is the FRATERNITY that Jordan pledged to in COLLEGE. A tradition for some members of OMEGA PSI PHI is to brand one or more of the GREEK letter OMEGA on their arms or chest. If you look closely during the scene where JORDAN is shirtless in his HOTEL ROOM while on the phone with his family, on the left side of his chest is a branded OMEGA.

[You have to look very hard for it on his left breast.]

On a side-note “DAFFY” is also imitating another “NBA LEGEND!” “DAFFY’S” runway fashion choice is a direct reference to MJ’s former teammate DENNIS RODMAN. Both “DAFFY’S” green hair and his claims that purple & gold go best with his look, are allusions to RODMAN’S signature look as well as his move to “THE L.A. LAKERS” after his time with “THE CHICAGO BULLS”.

[RODMAN]

Do you know the names of all the classic “LOONEY TUNES” shorts that are playing on the T.V. screen in the “MORON MOUNTAIN” scene?

The cartoons seen in the “MORON MOUNTAIN” sequence are: “BROOM-STICK BUNNY” (1956), “DON’T AXE ME” (1958), “DUCK AMUCK” (1953), “DUCK! RABBIT, DUCK!” (1953), “GEE WHIZ-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z” (1956), “GOING! GOING! GOSH!” (1952), “GOLDEN YEGGS” (1950), “HENHOUSE HENERY” (1949), “HIGH DIVING HARE” (1949), “DUCK DODGERS IN THE 24½TH CENTURY” (1953), “HIP HIP-HURRY!” (1958), “RABBIT OF SEVILLE” (1950), “READY.. SET.. ZOOM!” (1955) and “SPEEDY GONZALES” (1955).

There is a node to another popular space movie in that same scene!

When flying towards "MORON MOUNTAIN", the monolith from “2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY” (1968) can be seen at the very top-right corner edge of the screen frame floating in space near a red planet.

[The dark color scheme makes it blend in a little bit.]

“MORON MOUNTAIN” is a spoof on MAGIC MOUNTAIN, a SIX FLAGS amusement park in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. At around the time this movie was made, MAGIC MOUNTAIN had a contract with WARNER BROTHERS to use the Toon characters.

[A picture of a couple of the rides at SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN]

Did you know that JORDAN and “BUGS BUNNY” have a shared history that goes beyond the movie?

Previously, “BUGS BUNNY” and MICHAEL JORDAN had teamed up in two NIKE commercials for THE AIR JORDAN VII (1992) and AIR JORDAN VIII (1993), with “BUGS” nicknamed "HARE JORDAN". “BUGS” has since been an honorary member of JORDAN BRAND, and in 2015 as part of JORDAN BRAND’S 30th ANNIVERSARY, NIKE released a “BUGS-THEMED” MID-TOP version of the AIR JORDAN I called “THE AIR JORDAN I MID HARE”, along with a “LOLA BUNNY-THEMED” and female-geared equivalent called “THE AIR JORDAN I MID LOLA”.

One year before “SPACE JAM” hit theaters, JORDAN and “BUNNY” faced off in a game of one-on-one for a “HARE JORDAN” NIKE commercial. JORDAN’S longtime AGENT DAVID FALK saw the concept’s big-screen potential and brought the idea to WARNER BROS. His timing couldn’t have been better: The studio was searching for the perfect way to re-launch “THE LOONEY TUNES” franchise—and “SPACE JAM”Space was born. "I am forever astonished that any commercial I did was popular, let alone have a movie made from it,” JIM RISWOLD, the brains behind the commercial, told THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE.

A second commercial calld “AEROSPACE JORDAN” was produced. In the second ad “BUGS” and JORDAN faced off against “MARVIN THE MARTIAN” and his alien henchmen in basketball to stop him from stealing NIKE shoes.

[There’s the shoes for ya’ boys girls, take a good look at ’em!]

In the scene where “STANLEY” [WAYNE KNIGHT] comes into JORDAN’S hotel room and says "C'mon, MICHAEL, it's game time. Get your HANES on, lace up your NIKES, grab your WHEATIES and your GATORADE; we'll pick up a BIG MAC on the way to the ballpark." All of those things he mentioned were products that JORDAN had been a spokesman for around that time. In other words: this moment was the WRITERS way of poking fun at JORDAN being a SPOKESMAN.

Did you know that another ACTOR was originally going to voice “THE LOONEY TUNES” characters?

NOEL BLANC (MEL BLANC’S son) was originally booked to provide all of the regular WARNER BROTHERS male cartoon characters' voices. But he and WARNER BROS. couldn't agree on a contract, so the studio replaced BLANC with four other people to do the 12 male voices, instead of BLANC doing them all.

[MEL BLANC and some of the characters that he voiced!]

[NOEL BLANC]

Did you know that there is joke made at DISNEY’S expense?

When making “SPACE JAM”, WARNER BROS. just couldn't help themselves but take a jab at company rival, DISNEY. The jab in question happens during a scene where before they all agree on calling their basketball squad “THE TUNE SQUAD”, “DAFFY” suggests "THE DUCKS!" In response, “BUGS” asks, "What kind of “MICKEY MOUSE” organization would name their team ‘THE DUCKS?"

WALT DISNEY PICTURES produced “THE MIGHTY DUCKS” [1992] and most fans may immediately assume that's the reference, but actually, it's a reference to DISNEY establishing their own NHL HOCKEY TEAM called “THE ANAHEIM DUCKS” three years before “SPACE JAM’S” release.

When airing on the FREEFORM network, “BUGS’” “MICKEY MOUSE” line has been edited out. Because FREEFORM is owned by DISNEY.

Did you know that this film almost became a crossover with DISNEY characters?

Back in the late 1980s, WALT DISNEY STUDIOS asked WARNER BROS. if they could use some of the “LOONEY TUNES” characters for the DISNEY/STEVEN SPIELBERG produced film “WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT” (1988). WARNER BROTHERS obliged and were in the belief there was a reciprocal gentleman's agreement, which there was but under the old DISNEY management who were long gone by the time this film started production. However when WARNER BROS. started work on this film, they asked DISNEY to return the favor and let them use a few DISNEY cartoon characters (“MICKEY MOUSE” was originally intended to be the match REFEREE). DISNEY reneged on the agreement, a move which annoyed but didn't entirely surprise WARNER BROTHERS. This explains some of the not so subtle digs at DISNEY that are hidden within this film.

[A shot of “MICKEY MOUSE” and “BUGS BUNNY” together in a scene from the movie “WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT”.]

Did you know that not everyone liked this movie?

In an interview a couple of years after the films release, long time “LOONEY TUNES” DIRECTOR CHUCK JONES [1912-2002] revealed that he was highly critical of the movie. JONES felt it strayed too far from the source material, in particular, saying that “BUGS” would never openly recruit others in his battles. JONES further maintained that the “BUGS” he worked on would have single handedly dispatched with the aliens in short order. JONES also had a problem with some of the film's dialogue, feeling that some one-liners were inconsistent or inappropriate, relating to the characters who said them.

Here is another fun fact about JONES:

When MICHAEL first arrives in “LOONEY TUNE” town, and is talking with the characters, there is a store front sign on one of the background buildings that says "CJ's TOYS", a nod to both KB TOYS and the famous WARNER BROTHERS DIRECTOR/ANIMATOR himself, who created many of the classic LOONEY TUNES characters.

[JONES]

Did you know that the films SOUNDTRACK is just as popular as the movie itself?

R. KELLY’S GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING track “I BELIEVE I CAN FLY” buoyed the SOUNDTRACK to second place on the “BILLBOARD 200” chart and introduced a new generation to R&B. The memorable album was certified as “DOUBLE PLATINUM” less than two months after its release. By 2001, it had reached platinum status, six times over!

[The front and back ends of the cover from “SPACE JAM: MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY THE MOTION PICTURE”.]

The CD even got it’s own top 10 list from the guys over at “WATCH MOJO: Top 10 Songs From the Space Jam Soundtrack”.

The gym where “THE LOONEY TUNES” practice is called "THE LEON SCHLESINGER GYM" after LEON SCHLESINGER (1884-1949), the man who produced the first “LOONEY TUNES” and “MERRIE MELODIES” shorts.

[SCHLESINGER]

[“SCHLESINGER GYM”]

Do you know how long it took to make this movie?

Production totaled around 19 months, with filming taking up ten of them; this was half the time of any other film of its kind. The animation was done at a very quick pace by more than 700 workers from 18 studios in LONDON, CANADA, CALIFORNIA and OHIO, starting JANUARY 1996 by the recently joined producers RON TIPPE [1950-2014] and ALLISON ABBATE. In trying to track the huge amount work done at the 18 studios, TIPPE hung stills of all the shots throughout the FEATURE ANIMATION faction's hallways, with completed ones marked in red.

[TIPPE]

[ABBATE]

Features about the film's production, including one from the official website, emphasized its state-of-the art computer technology when it came to its live-action/animation hybrid format: "this film could have not [have] been made two years ago," claimed ANIMATION DIRECTOR TONY CERVONE in 1996. Due to its mixture of various art mediums as well as the "broad sense of humor and entertainment" unique to “THE LOONEY TUNES”, “SPACE JAM” was considered an important part of diversifying the animation industry. The movie broke the record for amount of composited shots in a featured film - "roughly 1,043" according to TIPPE, as well as a record number of FX shots, with around 1,100 in a single 90-minute film. “INDEPENDENCE DAY”, released the same year as “SPACE JAM”, had 700 FX shots within two hours of screen time. TIPPE claimed the film would have, at most, "multiple characters, multiple levels of effects and, in some cases, up to 70 elements" in one shot.

The U.S. VHS release of “SPACE JAM” included a collector's coin inside the package that had “THE TUNE SQUAD” on one side and “THE MONSTARS” on the other.

The Union Hall in which the Looney Tunes characters meet is entitled "Union Hall 839", a reference to the actual Hollywood Animation Guild, which is Union Local 839.

[If you take a closer look at the marquee it says “TONIGHT: ALIENS TURN US INTO SLAVES, SATURDAY: TONY BENNETT 8 & 10 PM”.]

A portrait picture of “BOSKO THE TALK-INK KID”, WARNER BROS. first ever cartoon star, can be seen hanging on the wall of the meeting room in UNION HALL, in the scene where “YOSEMITE SAM” confronts the aliens.

[Left to right: “YOSEMITE SAM” with the picture and the “real” “BOSKO”.]

JORDAN’S bulldog, CHARLES, is named after CHARLES BARKLEY [although, to my knowledge at least, there hasn’t been any confirmation on this].

[“DAFFY DUCK” and CHARLES THE DOG.]

“SPACE JAM” grossed $250 million worldwide, making this the highest-grossing “BASKETBALL” film of all time, and it is also the highest-grossing “LOONEY TUNES” film so far.

“SPACE JAM” is also the first animated film to have been edited for content for TV airings.

[I could not find the actual T.V. rating for this film.]

[But here is the theatrical rating for the movie!]

Although JORDAN’S real kids were not in the film, their names (JEFFREY, MARCUS, and JASMINE) were used.

And here they are as they look now:

JEFFREY,

MARCUS,

JASMINE

and the twins VICTORIA and YSABEL.

[For the kids who are reading this that were not around in the 90’S: The twins were not born until years after “SPACE JAM” came out!]

Now here is something for anyone who is not as familiar with the game of BASKETBALL!

The five NBA players who have their talent stolen were some of the best BASKETBALL stars at the time.

Those players are:

CHARLES BARKLEY,

LARRY JOHNSON,

MUGGSY BOGGUES,

PATRICK EWING

and SHAWN BRADLEY

Ironically, at the time they played, not one of the five ever won an NBA championship. The reason why? MICHAEL JORDAN, whose CHICAGO BULLS dominated the ’90’S and won six championships in one decade: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998.

[MICHAEL JORDAN wins his first NBA CHAMPIONSHIP - 1991.]

JORDAN is an avid GOLFER. He played 36 holes of GOLF a day while in BARCELONA for THE 1992 OLYMPICS. He hosted his own charity tournament, THE MICHAEL JORDAN CELEBRITY INVITATIONAL, from 2001 to 2014, and has his own golf course, THE GROVE XXIII, in FLORIDA.

[JORDAN taking a swing!]

[THE GROVE XXIII]

In 2010, JORDAN became the majority owner of THE CHARLOTTE BOBCATS — now THE CHARLOTTE HORNETS — for a reported $275 MILLION. He mentored college superstar KEMBA WALKER, who became a three-time ALL-STAR with the team. Upon WALKER’S departure, THE HORNETS drafted LaMELO BALL, who was the 2020-21 NBA “ROOKIE OF THE YEAR”.

[THE CHARLOTTE HORNETS]

In 2021, a game-worn JERSEY from JORDAN’S championship season with THE NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS sold for $1.38 MILLION, the record for a JORDAN JERSEY at the time.

In 2022, the record for highest-selling MICHAEL JORDAN JERSEY was blown out of the water. A game-worn JERSEY from the “1998 NBA FINALS” sold for $10.1 MILLION. Not only did it beat the previous JORDAN JERSEY record, but it set the amount for the highest-selling piece of SPORTS memorabilia ever.

MICHAEL JORDAN was motivated as a child by his brother, LARRY, who also played BASKETBALL. They both wore No. 45 JERSEYS, but when they played on the same team, the younger brother had to pick a new number. So he cut 45 in half and rounded up to No. 23. He carried it through college, the NBA and into icon status. The only time MICHAEL wore 45 after committing to 23 was after the return from his first retirement in MARCH of 1995. He finished out the regular season and the first round of the playoffs in the new number before struggling in GAME 1 of “THE EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS” and deciding he had better luck in No. 23.

[JORDAN wearing the two previously mentioned JERSEYS!]

JORDAN’S highest-scoring game was when he racked up 69 points in a 117-113 overtime win against “THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS” on MARCH 28, 1990. He scored 60-plus points five times in his career.

JORDAN played with a stomach bug in GAME 5 of “THE 1997 NBA FINALS” against “THE UTAH JAZZ”, also known as “THE FLU GAME.” He scored 38 points and a key three-point shot that gave “THE CHICAGO BULLS” the lead for good. CHICAGO wrapped up the series in the next game and JORDAN captured his fifth championship title.

JORDAN was a mentor to KOBE BRYANT [1978-2020], who entered the NBA in 1996, JORDAN’S 12th season in the league. JORDAN spoke at BRYANT’S memorial after he died in 2020 at the age of 41.

[BRYANT]

JORDAN broke his foot in his second season. He powered his way through rehab to return to top shape.

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN was JORDAN’S favorite arena to play in. When he played there in 1998, believing it was his last season of basketball, he broke out an old pair of AIR JORDAN 1S, which he wore several years before during his debut at the iconic NEW YORK venue. He scored 42 points in the game even though his feet were bleeding.

[This is the best image that I could find that doesn’t show anything with to much blood!]

[MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK CITY.]

In the third game of the 1985-86 NBA season, JORDAN broke his left foot against the Golden State Warriors on October 29, 1985. Jordan went up for a lob and landed flat-footed. He missed 64 games and grew irritated since he couldn’t do anything basketball-wise due to his injury.

After JORDAN’S foot was healed and going through a rather disappointing agreement to let him keep playing, JORDAN scored an “NBA PLAY-OFF record 63 points against the Celtics in GAME 2”. He shot 22-of-41 from the field and 19-of-21 from the free-throw line. Even though “THE BULLS” lost by four points, the entire NBA world was in awe of what JORDAN did.

JORDAN retired a second time in 1998 after capturing his sixth title. In his final game with “THE CHICAGO BULLS”, he scored the game-winning shot to beat “THE UTAH JAZZ” in six games.

When JORDAN was a child, he watched a friend drown. This led to a phobia of water. JORDAN’S fear of water almost led to him drowning at BASEBALL CAMP at age 11. JORDAN has managed to overcome his fear of the water, for the most part. Although he will get in the water today, he’s still uncomfortable around large bodies of water and small boats.

Following JORDAN’S 1993 retirement from the NBA, “THE BULLS” retired JORDAN’S 23 JERSEY and gave him a statue following his first retirement. But the JERSEY was un-retired when JORDAN returned to the NBA in 1995. The statue, however, remained outside THE UNITED CENTER during the entirely of his second run with “THE BULLS”. The bottom of the statue reads "The best there ever was. The best there ever will be."

Despite never playing for them, JORDAN’S 23 JERSEY was retired by “THE MIAMI HEAT” following JORDAN’S second retirement. Now that's respect.

“In honor of your greatness and for all you’ve done for the game of basketball – and not just the NBA, but for all the fans around the world – we want to honor you tonight and hang your jersey, No. 23, from the rafters,” “HEAT” PRESIDENT PAT RILEY said. “No one will ever wear No. 23 for “THE MIAMI HEAT”. You’re the best.”

[RILEY]

JORDAN was the first player in NBA history to have his JERSEY retired by a team that he never played for, making this yet another on the long list of accolades for “HIS AIRNESS”. “THE DALLAS MAVERICKS” did the same for KOBE BRYANT in 2020.

[JORDAN’S retired JERSEY!]

Did you know that “BUGS BUNNY” is the ninth most portrayed film character in the world?

“BUGS BUNNY” is, unquestionably, a cultural icon and one of the most immediately recognizable characters of all-time. He is a classic cartoon character, and because of the incredible influence of “THE LOONEY TUNES” has on the company that created them, “BUGS” became the corporate mascot of WARNER BROS. In addition, he even has his own star on THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME (other animated characters with stars include “DONALD DUCK”, “MICKEY MOUSE”, “THE SIMPSONS”, and “SNOOPY”). “BUGS” is such a celebrated and important figure around the world, and as a result, he is the ninth most-portrayed film personality in the world, behind a short list that includes GOD, JESUS CHRIST, ADOLF HITLER, THE GRIM REAPER, THE DEVIL and the #1 spot held down by, unsurprisingly, SANTA CLAUS. This shows the true magnitude of the character, as well as “THE LOONEY TUNES” franchise, on a global scale.

[There’s “BUGS’” star!]

Did you know that “BUGS” unintentionally changed the meaning of the name/word “NIMROD”?

Although you do not hear the word thrown around too often, these days, it was Looney Tunes that popularized the word “NIMROD” and in the process, accidentally changed the meaning of it. The word was often used by “BUGS” to describe the inept hunter “ELMER FUDD”, who “BUGS” was always able to evade and humiliate quite easily (so easily, in fact, that people started to feel sorry for poor “ELMER”, forcing WARNER BROS. to invent a new nemesis for Bugs, in the form of the much less likable “YOSEMITE SAM”). “BUGS” would state “What a NIMROD”, but audiences failed to grasp that this was a sarcastic comment. According to “THE BOOK OF GENESIS” in “THE BIBLE”, NIMROD (the great-grandson of NOAH) was “a mighty hunter”, something that “FUDD” definitely was not. However, the joke clearly went over the heads of the general public, and it soon became used as a way to describe a stupid, slow or dim-witted person. Although certainly not the sharpest tool in the shed and definitely not a “mighty hunter”, “ELMER FUDD” became a hugely popular character with one of the greatest catchphrases ever created– “Shhh. Be vewy vewy quiet, I’m hunting wabbits”, plus an instantly recognizable laugh.

[NIMROD - THE MIGHTY HUNTER!]

[AND “ELMER FUDD” - THE NOT SO MIGHTY HUNTER!]

Did you know that WARNER BROS. had one rule for DISNEY when they let them borrow “THE LOONEY TUNES” for “WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT”?

“WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT” is one of the all-time greatest cartoon films ever made, and serves as a love letter to the golden age of AMERICAN ANIMATION, in a movie that blended together live action and animated characters. The film was best known for bringing together both WALT DISNEY and WARNER BROS. characters in the same movie. It was DISNEY who purchased the rights to the film, and they managed to convince WARNER BROS. to “lend” them some of their classic characters. WARNER BROS. agreed but insisted that their characters get the same amount of screen time as DISNEY’S characters, and were treated as being just as important to the film as the DISNEY characters. This is why “BUGS BUNNY” and “MICKEY MOUSE” often share scenes, and also why “DONALD DUCK” and “DAFFY DUCK” appear to be equally talented during their piano duel. Other “LOONEY TUNES” characters that appear in the movie include “PORKY PIG”, “TWEETY BIRD”, “SYLVESTER THE CAT”, and “YOSEMITE SAM” (MEL BLANC voiced all “THE LOONEY TUNES” characters except for “YOSEMITE SAM”).

[Left to right: “DONALD DUCK” and “DAFFY DUCK” in a scene from “WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT”.]

Did you know that CHUCK JONES made a list of rules for “THE ROADRUNNER” and “WILE E. COYOTE” characters?

Published by JONES in his 1999 autobiography, “CHUCK AMUCK: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF AN ANIMATED CARTOONIST”, the “LOONEY TUNES” CO-CREATOR had a set of rules dictating what the two enemy characters were allowed to do. It was a carefully curated list that focused on the use and logic behind the pair’s violence, as well as character traits that these shorts never strayed from.

Did you know that “LOONEY TUNES” Was Originally Developed To Showcase WARNER-OWNED Musical Compositions?

Many have questioned why the series is called “LOONEY TUNES” and why its sister show was called “MERRIE MELODIES”, as the musical reference seems odd for a cartoon series. Well, the real reason behind the musically-inclined titles is that the series was first developed to showcase WARNER-OWNED musical compositions, for the sale of sheet music and phonograph records. The names were also inspired by WALT DISNEY’S musical series “SILLY SYMPHONIES”. To compete with DISNEY’S “MICKEY MOUSE” cartoons, WARNER BROS. decided to develop a cartoon series to accompany the music, where viewers were shown the adventures of characters who appeared in that particular cartoon. That originally included the character, “BOSKO”. However, after a dispute over the show’s budget, the CREATORS of the cartoons left with the rights to the cartoons and the characters, including “BOSKO”. What could have been a disaster for WARNER BROS. actually paved the way for now-famous DIRECTORS including JONES, FREDERICK BEAN [Yes that was his actual middle name!] "TEX" AVERY [1908-1980], ISADORE “FRIZ” FRELENG {1905-1995] and ROBERT “BOB” EMERSON CLAMPETT SR. [1913-1984] , who introduced “PORKY PIG” in 1935, “DAFFY DUCK” in 1937, and “BUGS BUNNY” and “ELMER FUDD” and in 1940, creating “THE LOONEY TUNES” we know today!

[An old version of the “MERRIE MELODIES” title card.]

Do you know what is written on MEL BLANCS’ GRAVE?

Those with an interest in “LOONEY TUNES” know just how important AMERICAN VOICE ACTOR MEL BLANC was to the series, as he was the voice of dozens of classic characters, including “DAFFY DUCK”, “PORKY PIG”, “TWEETY BIRD”, “SYLVESTER THE CAT”, “YOSEMITE SAM”, “MARVIN THE MARTIAN”, “FOGHORN LEGHORN”, “SPEEDY GONZALES” and, of course, “BUGS BUNNY”. BLANC’S prolific work as a VOICE ACTOR makes him perhaps the most influential figure in the VOICE ACTING industry, and in addition to his immense contributions to “LOONEY TUNES”, he also did voice work for many other animated series, including “THE FLINTSTONES”, “THE JETSONS” and “TOM AND JERRY”. When BLANC passed away in 1989, as part of his will, his gravestone (located in HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY) reads “THAT’S ALL FOLKS”, in reference to the trademark catchphrase of one of his most beloved characters, “PORKY PIG”, one which has permeated popular culture.

[BLANC’S GRAVESITE.]

Do you know how “BUGS” was created?

Despite their recent successes, in the late 1930s, WARNER BROTHERS wanted a true megastar cartoon character more than anything—one that could truly compete with “MICKEY MOUSE” as a global icon. They were bothered by the fact that none of their hit characters had quite reached that level of pop culture ubiquity thus far. Competing with and even outdoing DISNEY continued to be a key motivating factor, even a decade after their respective founders went their separate ways. Little did they know, their dreams were about to come true—and in a very unlikely manner. Around this time, AVERY remembered that a past colleague—JOSEPH BENSON “BEN” HARDAWAY [1895-1957]—had created a rabbit character that was only used once or twice in minor roles a few years back. For his film “A WILD HARE”, AVERY asked animator ROBERT “BOB” HERMAN GIVENS [1918-2017] to revive and redesign the rabbit. Therefore, "BUGS BUNNY" transformed into a whole new cartoon—complete with a fresh look, sound, and personality. Once this new version of the rabbit debuted, “LOONEY TUNES” would never be the same again.

[AVERY]

Have you ever wondered how “BUGS BUNNY” got his name?

His names origin is surprising. That animator who first made him, “BEN” HARDAWAY, had the nickname "BUGS". The team hadn’t even bothered to give the forgotten rabbit a name—instead just casually calling him “BUGS’ BUNNY,” in reference to his creator. The name has been stuck with the famous cartoon RABBIT ever since!

[“BUGS” HARDAWAY - Sorry I couldn’t find a better picture of him.]

Did you know that “BUGS BUNNY” saved BLANC’S life?

BLANC played the role of “BUGS BUNNY” for almost 40 years, with his last appearance as the voice behind the RABBIT in 1988. In 1961 Blanc was left in a coma for weeks suffering several fractures to his skull in a serious car accident. After failing to wake him up by appealing directly to BLANC, DOCTORS attempted to communicate to him by talking to the characters he played. BLANC was asked: "How are you feeling today, BUGS BUNNY?" to which BLANC answered "Eh... just fine, Doc. How are you?"

In 1997, “BUGS” was the first cartoon character to be featured on a U.S. postage stamp. The announcement of this stamp was greeted by some vocal stamp collectors with concern, who felt the commemorative stamp program would be cheapened by having a cartoon character in a philatelic tribute previously reserved for PRESIDENTS, MILITARY LEADERS and DIGNIFIED HISTORICAL FIGURES. It turned out to be one of the most popular stamps in U.S. POSTAL SERVICE history and “BUGS” returned in 2020 on a pane of 20 commemorative stamps.

Now let’s talk about the third biggest star of the movie!

In the scene where BILL MURRAY comes to help “THE TUNE SQUAD”, MURRAY explains his entry into the toon world by saying the film's producer is a friend of his. Don’t forget that “SPACE JAM’S” EXECUTIVE PRODUCER was IVAN REITMAN, who directed the MURRAY-STARRED “GHOSTBUSTERS” (1984), among other films.

[Left to right: MURRAY and JORDAN]

Did you know that MURRAY’S cameo was inspired by some forgotten NBA ads?

For important context, JORDAN first announced his original retirement from the NBA in 1993, and later signed a MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL contract with “THE CHICAGO WHITE SOX”; this is also a plot point in “SPACE JAM”. This inspired a series of spoof ads for the NBA where MURRRAY announced his retirement from acting to pursue a BASKETBALL career, though when pressed by REPORTERS it's quickly revealed how ill-equipped the then 44-year-old ACTOR is for the sport. Later commercials showed him playing BASKETBALL and talking about it with an almost religious fervor. MURRAY reportedly wasn't paid for his involvement with these NBA ads, though he did retain creative control over them. So it makes sense - in a very odd way - that following his parody of MICHAEL JORDAN’S early retirement, he would then co-star with the famous BASKETBALL player in “SPACE JAM” where he gets to live out his NBA fantasy!

BILL MURRAY NBA | Television Commercials | 1995

“SPACE JAM” practically oozes star power; after all, this is a movie composed of some of the biggest NBA and cartoon stars in the world, and, most importantly, BILL MURRAY. Despite being a side character, MURRAY proves instrumental to the finale of the film, popping up unexpectedly to sub in as the fifth member of “THE TUNE SQUAD”, allowing MJ and the Tunes to win the game. But when “THE JUNIOR NOVELIZATION” of the movie hit shelves, MURRAY was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he was replaced by “THE ROAD RUNNER”. Perhaps realizing that children didn't want to read about a comedy star from the '80s saving the day, the novelization drops MURRAY entirely. When “THE TUNE SQUAD” is down a member and unable to continue playing, “ROAD RUNNER” subs in and helps “THE TUNE SQUAD” win. A MURRAY-LESS “SPACE JAM” might sound awful, but it happened thanks to the junior novel.

[“THE ROAD RUNNER” outrunning “WILE E. COYOTE” - as usual!]

[There’s the book for all of you but i’m afraid that the cover is not in mint condition though if the picture you see is anything to go by!]

The hat that MURRAY is wearing at the “BULLS” game at the end of the movie and during the final quarter of “THE TUNE SQUAD” game is for “THE SAINT PAUL SAINTS”, a MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL team of which MURRAY was a part owner at the time.

[Left to right: BILL MURRAY [with his back facing towards us], “BUGS BUNNY”, MICHAEL JORDAN and “LOLA BUNNY”.]

[MURRAY with former NBA player and COACH LARRY BIRD. Both shots feature MURRAY wearing “THE ST. PAUL SAINTS” hat!]

MURRAY, who stands at 6'2, joked how he felt puny around JORDAN and BIRD, who are 6'6 and 6'9 respectively.

MURRAY accepted a role in this movie after expressing regret at missing out on the chance to star in another animated/live-action film, “WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT”.

Although MURRAY initially came in to only work on the golf course scene, he then wanted to be in the climactic BASKETBALL game after PYTKA showed him the process of how he directed the live-action/animation scenes.

JORDAN, MURRAY and KNIGHT filmed all of their “LOONEY TUNE WORLD” scenes in a 360-degree green screen room with motion trackers, playing and acting alongside green-suited NBA PLAYERS and IMPROV ACTORS taken from THE GROUNDLINGS THEATRE AND SCHOOL around them serving as placement identifiers for the animated characters, with a CGI background replica of a real-life setting chroma keyed in.

[A look at how the scene where MICHAEL meets “BUGS” and the rest of “THE LOONEY TUNES” was made using GREEN SCREEN effects which include ACTORS in green suits that were later replaced by the cartoon characters!]

MURRAY’S JERSEY number, 22, is a nod to his film “GROUNDHOG DAY” (1993), which occurs on February 2nd, or 2-2.

On a related note, here are the rest of “THE TUNE SQUAD’S” JERSEY numbers: 1/2, “TWEETY BIRD”; 1, “BUGS BUNNY”; 2, “DAFFY DUCK”; 3, “SNIFFLES THE MOUSE”; 6, “YOSEMITE SAM”; 7, “ROAD RUNNER”; 8, “PORKY PIG”; 9, “SYLVERSTER”; 10, “LOLA BUNNY”; 13, “WILE E. COYOTE”; 23, MICHAEL JORDAN; 25, “BARNYARD DAWG”; 33, “FOGHORN LEGHORN”; 53, “ELMER FUDD”; heart symbol, “PEPE LE PEW”; exclamation point, “TASMANIAN DEVIL”; question mark, “BEAKY BUZZARD”; 96, “STAN PODOLAK”; unknown, “SPEEDY GONZALEZ”; CHEERLEADER, “GRANNY”; REFEREE, “MARVIN THE MARTIAN”.

[The main players of the 1996 “TUNE SQUAD”!]

MURRAY, who stands at 6'2, joked how he felt puny around JORDAN and BIRD, who are 6'6 and 6'9 respectively.

MURRAY is sporting the “AIR JORDAN II” shoes during the big game.

“SPACE JAM” one of two live-action and animated films from WARNER BROS. to feature Bill Murray. His second one is “OSMOSIS JONES” (2001) released five years later.

[A poster for “OSMOSIS JONES”.]

During the golf scene when the golf ball moves by itself, MURRAY says the line "It is alive" which he also said in “STRIPES” (1981).

When MURRAY tells “DAFFY” that he's only there because he's a friend of the PRODUCER [REITMAN], “POUND” (The orange “MONSTAR”) can be seen in the background, and shakes his head in disgust when MURRAY mentions this.

[There’s the shot in question.]

MURRAY is sporting the “AIR JORDAN II” shoes during the big game.

MURRAY was intended to appear in the film since the original version of the script, but the filmmakers were unable to book him until the filming started. MURRAY has a reputation for inaccessibility, due to only speaking about new job offers on a personal telephone number with a voice mailbox which he checks infrequently.

MURRAY appears as “PETER VENKMAN” in the live-action “GHOSTBUSTERS” films. MAURICE LaMARCHE (“PEPÉ LE PEW”), KATH SOUCIE (“LOLA BUNNY”) and FRANK WELKER (CHARLES THE DOG) voiced “EGON”, “JANINE” and “RAY”/”SLIMER” on “THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS” (1986-1991). BILLY WEST (“BUGS BUNNY”) replaced WELKER as “SLIMER” on “EXTREME GHOSTBUSTERS” (1997), though WELKER and LaMARCHE did return as “RAY” and “EGON”. Also, “SPACE JAM” PRODUCER IVAN REITMAN DIRECTED the first two “GHOSTBUSTERS” movies, for which EDITOR SHELDON KAHN also served as an EDITOR for “SPACE JAM”.

[KAHN]

Well everyone those are all of the interesting fun facts that I could find. Thanks for joining me here today and I would like to end this blog entry in traditional “LOONEY TUNES” fashion: