Following speculation last year about his possible involvement in a sequel to the 1996 film "Space Jam," Variety has learned that Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James will indeed star in the film. "Fast and Furious" franchise-helmer Justin Lin is in talks to direct.

James made his feature film debut in last year's "Trainwreck," where he starred alongside Amy Schumer and Bill Hader and turned in a well-received performance. Lin is currently prepping his next film, "Star Trek Beyond," for release on July 22. Lin also directed installments 3 through 6 of the "Fast and Furious" franchise.

The original “Space Jam” was released in 1996, a live-action/animation hybrid starring Michael Jordan (joined by Charles Barkley and other NBA stars of the era), engaging in interstellar roundball warfare alongside the classic Looney Tunes characters. The movie wasn’t a critical success, but made $230.4 million in worldwide box office -- and judging by the ongoing interest in a potential follow-up, clearly has a nostalgic pull among those who were kids in the mid-’90s. James has a well-received supporting role in “Trainwreck,” now in theaters, playing a comedic take on himself.