The cast of Universal‘s LeBron James film has been set and HS star Marquis “Mookie” Cook has been tapped for the lead role.
Cook is a top-ranked high school basketball prospect and will star alongside Stranger Things star and SAG Award winner Caleb McLaughlin.
'Shooting Stars' comes from Universal and SpringHill Co. and is an adaptation of the 2009 book by James and Buzz Bissinger.
The film also stars Algee Smith, Dermot Mulroney, Wood Harris, Natalie Paul, Katlyn Nichol, Avery Wills, Scoot Henderson, and Khalil Everage.
The story follows James and his best friends in Akron, who formed a close-knit bond that saw them through the ups and downs of Highschool basketball, culminating in winning the national championship. The book explored the trials and tribulations of the team and painted a picture of what it was like to be a highly successful high school team that also had the added pressure and exposure that came along with playing with LeBron James, who was already one of the most prominent athletes in the county while in high school.
The casting announcement was first revealed by The Hollywood Reporter.
Cook fits the bill as a young LeBron, coming in at 6 foot 7. H
He is a 5-star recruit ranked number 2 forward in the nation and has committed to play college ball for The University of Oregon.
McLaughlin is playing Dru Joyce III, one of James’ best friends and the son of their coach, Dru Joyce II, who is played by Wood Harris. Algee Smith will play Illya McGee. Avery Wills is cast as Willie McGee, another member of the friend group. Scoot Henderson will play Romeo Travis and Khalil Everage will play the team’s enforcer, Sian Cotton.
Dermot Mulroney is playing Coach Keith Dambrot. Natalie Paul is playing the mother of LeBron, Gloria. Katlyn Nichol has been cast as Savannah James, LeBron’s wife.
The project is being directed by Chris Robinson. The script was adapted from the book by Frank E. Flowers, Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier.
Rachel Winter is producing through Tangerine Pictures, with Terence Winter via Cold Front Productions. James is also producing with his SpringHill production company with Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson and Spencer Beighley.
