After years of speculation and months' worth of anticipation, fans are finally getting the sequel to Space Jam. Only this time, the Toon Squad is subbing out Michael Jordan and replacing him with current NBA phenom — Lebron James.
But that isn't the only change on the horizon. Other original team members are getting a much-needed re-rendering. It's led fans to questions whether or not Cancel Culture led to the desexualization of Lola Bunny.
For anyone who didn't grow up in the '90s and thus was unable to bear witness to one of the greatest animated sports spectacles of all time — Lola Bunny was a key character in the original Space Jam film.
Without her presence, the Tune Squad wouldn't have stood a chance against the Monstars.
Young girls were absolutely obsessed with her, especially since they made her the star player.
Unlike her teammates who wore baggy loose-fitting uniforms, Lola's outfit was incredibly form-fitting!
As you might have imagined, her appearance produced an incredibly stereotypical cartoon response from her Looney peers: exploding hearts; mallets over the head — the whole nine yards.
Malcolm is the man responsible for films like Undercover Brother and Night School; he also happens to be the cousin of the iconic Spike Lee!
"This is 2021. It's important to reflect the authenticity of strong, capable female characters," Lee said.
A few things are bound to jump out at you right away.
First of all, Lola is wearing a uniform that looks like it was actually made for her, as opposed to one that shrunk in the wash.
Plus, her midriff isn't showing, and her legs are much more proportioned to the rest of her body.
In short — she now actually looks like a basketball player. Lola's even wearing compression shorts!
Twitter user @M_Jensen23 was quick to commend the artists on their ability to desexualize Lola while still being able to keep her integrity intact.
I'm also a huge fan of the Allen Iverson armband that Lola is wearing.
Just from looking at her, you can tell that she possesses that Mamba mentality required to be a champion.
Twitter user @KristenIsLive makes a good point.
We can't praise one female body type by condemning another because, in the end, sexualization is about so much more than curves.
Did you notice how the 2021-version of Lola has her hands on her hips and her legs apart? It's a classic power stance.
Her eyebrows are toned down, her eyelashes aren't as pronounced, and her legs aren't shiny anymore.
I don't know, I personally think that it's a slippery slope when a man tries to tell a woman when she is and isn't being sexualized; it isn't for us to say.
Rather, it's our job to listen and to keep an open mind.
It's time that we level the playing field and begin appreciating Lola for her talents, rather than her physical assets and attributes.
What do you think about this whole situation with Lola Bunny?
Do you think this whole thing was taken too far? Or do you think it's justified? Either way, let us know in the comment section, we would love to hear from you.
