Variety is reporting that LeBron James is in talks to star in an untitled comedy movie that was recently sold to Paramount Players. James’s production company SpringHill Entertainment has been developing the film for "several months" with Steve Mallory, who is known for helping pen The Boss, and the upcoming movie Super Intelligence, both of which star Melissa McCarthy. LeBron, alongside Maverick Carter, will also produce the untitled comedy film.
James’s decision to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this month seemed rooted in his desire to start planning for life after the NBA. Living in L.A. gives LeBron the ability to be more hands-on as a producer with SpringHill Entertainment. With partner Maverick Carter, their production company has already gotten behind a number of upcoming projects, including a Muhammad Ali documentary, a remake of House Party, and the Netflix limited series On Her Own Ground, starring Octavia Spencer.
Despite playing just an eccentric version of himself, LeBron was praised for his acting in Trainwreck. The New Yorker called him "the funniest person" in a cast that included Amy Schumer, and Bill Hader. The Los Angeles Times praised James for his "impressive off-court timing and a sense of humor about his own image" while Schumer admitted "with full confidence...I believe he could have another career in acting if he wanted."
It feels like if James wants to come back to the big screen, comedy is right where he needs to be.
