When it comes to playing a role, we always hear stories about the incredible lengths some actors go to get into character. Tom Cruise learned how to fly a helicopter. Halle Berry broke three ribs during intense training for her role in John Wick 3. Keanu Reeves did “90 percent” of his own stunts for the same film.
So, when it comes to the filming of Space Jam 2, you’d probably expect that all the LeBron James basketball action would be done by four-time NBA MVP LeBron James.
But that’s not the case.
According to a recent press release from Warner Bros., the studio hired actor Sheldon Bailey to serve as LeBron’s “basketball double” for the movie. Bailey is 6-foot-6 and played basketball at Florida International before making a jump into film.
Here’s a look at Bailey in his LeBron makeup — LeBron tattoos, facial hair and all.
Before everyone roasts LeBron for needing a “basketball double,” this appears to be standard practice in the film industry. Bailey and LeBron, specifically, go way back.
He’s played the role of LeBron’s “basketball double” in Nike commercials that date back to LeBron’s first run with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The basketball action in this commercial? Some of that was done by Bailey.
But Space Jam 2 will obviously be a larger workload than a 60-second commercial. We’ll have to try to spot the difference as the film comes out in 2021.
