NBA fans are reeling from the news that the remainder of the season has been suspended for now amid concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. On social media, folks quickly came to the realization that all of this seemed oddly familiar. Why? The scenario is very similar to a plot point in the 1996 film, Space Jam.
In the film, the villainous Monstars begin stealing the powers of NBA players, namely Charles Barkley, Shawn Bradley, Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson and Muggsy Bogues. Because of this, the rest of the players are spooked. Los Angeles Lakers players even refuse to go into the locker room.
After it looks like there’s no proof that the spread of the disease will cease, the NBA commissioner calls a press conference and states, “Until we can guarantee the health and safety of our NBA players, there will be no more basketball this season.”
Several people pointed out the scene on social media:
Space Jam predicted this. pic.twitter.com/Vbbfj8U80q
— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) March 12, 2020
How ironic… I was watching Space Jam just 3 hours ago and now look???? pic.twitter.com/tfOSRrD1A4
— Cassius Stanley (@cassius_stanley) March 12, 2020
Space Jam: unknown virus causes mass hysteria and eventual shutdown of the NBA
Space Jam 2: began filming last summer immediately before unknown virus caused mass hysteria shutting down the NBA
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— S M A R F (@ColeyMick) March 12, 2020
Space Jam predicted this 24 years ago #nba #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/fJLAnkphiJ
— Beckler (@Andrew_Beckler) March 12, 2020
Two players for the Utah Jazz have tested positive for the coronavirus. Players of teams who have played the Jazz in the past 10 days have been told to self-quarantine.
A Space Jam sequel starring LeBron James, Sonquea Martin-Green and Don Cheadle is in post-production. Malcolm D. Lee directed the film, which is set for a July 2021 release.
READ MORE:
Coronavirus Hits Hollywood, Shuts Down Productions
Looking Back At The Legacy Of ‘Space Jam,’ 23 Years Later
Photo: Warner Bros
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