Now, the ball has been lobbed to LeBron James, who, like Jordan, enters the world of the Loony Tunes alongside cartoon icons Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.

“Space Jam: A New Legacy” premiered yesterday in Los Angeles, where James spoke to reporters about stepping into Jordan’s sneakers.

“I was extremely nervous to even redo this film,” he said. “But I put my heart into it, I put my looniness into it with the Tunes and committed to it. I’m excited for what people are going to see.”

The purple carpet at the LA Live entertainment complex was filled with celebrities, from Zendaya, who voices Lola Bunny, and Don Cheadle, who plays villain Al G Rhythm, to John Legend and G-Eazy, who have tracks on the film’s score.

Basketball stars Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis also attended the premiere.

More family-orientated than the original “Space Jam”, this sequel sees James try to rescue his son Dom – played by Cedric Joe – by winning a basketball game with Bugs Bunny, voiced by Jeff Bergman.

Sonequa Martin-Green, who co-stars as James’ wife, said she had grown up with the original movie.

“I think that film was very important and necessary for that time, so I’m hoping this film brings people together,” she said. “I think it has everything it needs to be a new classic.”

James was also conscious of the legacy of this release, adding: “I hope I continue to make Michael proud. He’s someone I looked up to as a kid and hopefully, this is another step in that direction.”