The intergalactic match-up between the Tune Squad and Monstars was a marketing exec’s dream. Twenty-two years after its release, the movie still ranks as the number one basketball movie of all-time with domestic gross totals over $90 billion and counting. The success wasn’t limited to the actual film itself. In fact, Space Jam was a full-on marketing juggernaut. The worlds of film, sports, animation, and sneakers merged to maximize the licensing opportunities. In 1996, it was impossible to look anywhere and not see Space Jam plastered on everything from toys and apparel to Wheaties boxes and pillowcases. Chicago Tribune once estimated the film’s merchandise generated $4 to $6 billion over time.
The movie holds a special place for sneakerheads. The connection between Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny formed during the “Hare Jordan” commercial, which initially aired in a 1992 Super Bowl ad spot. The massive success of the commercial ultimately led to full-length film. The timing could not have been more perfect. Jordan had recently retired from basketball at peak stardom as the biggest athlete in the world. Warner Brothers was looking for a way to bring the Looney Tunes franchise back. The end result is the highest rated basketball movie of all-time.
Today, the film lives on in pop culture beyond the retroing of Space Jam related footwear and apparel by Nike. With what seems like hundreds of licenses given out, there are tons of products still available today inspired by Jordan and his animated counterparts. We dug around to find a few of the weirdest pieces of movie memorabilia related to the flick. Some are affordable, others may require maxing out a credit card. But what are a few dollars when it means the chance to own keepsakes related to best basketball movie ever?
The intergalactic match-up between the Tune Squad and Monstars was a marketing exec’s dream. Twenty-two years after its release, the movie still ranks as the number one basketball movie of all-time with domestic gross totals over $90 billion and counting. The success wasn’t limited to the actual film itself. In fact, Space Jam was a full-on marketing juggernaut. The worlds of film, sports, animation, and sneakers merged to maximize the licensing opportunities. In 1996, it was impossible to look anywhere and not see Space Jam plastered on everything from toys and apparel to Wheaties boxes and pillowcases. Chicago Tribune once estimated the film’s merchandise generated $4 to $6 billion over time.
The movie holds a special place for sneakerheads. The connection between Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny formed during the “Hare Jordan” commercial, which initially aired in a 1992 Super Bowl ad spot. The massive success of the commercial ultimately led to full-length film. The timing could not have been more perfect. Jordan had recently retired from basketball at peak stardom as the biggest athlete in the world. Warner Brothers was looking for a way to bring the Looney Tunes franchise back. The end result is the highest rated basketball movie of all-time.
Today, the film lives on in pop culture beyond the retroing of Space Jam related footwear and apparel by Nike. With what seems like hundreds of licenses given out, there are tons of products still available today inspired by Jordan and his animated counterparts. We dug around to find a few of the weirdest pieces of movie memorabilia related to the flick. Some are affordable, others may require maxing out a credit card. But what are a few dollars when it means the chance to own keepsakes related to best basketball movie ever?
McDonald’s Space Jam French Fries Boxes
During the film’s run, McDonald’s gave away Space Jam toy figures inside Happy Meals. Many of those are available in their original packaging and sell for reasonable prices for anyone looking to assemble the set. Getting packaging like the actual Happy Meal boxes or, in this case, French fry boxes would pose a stiffer challenge. Sure, McDonald’s probably produced a ton to stock their thousands of stores. But most kids toss the darn things after scarfing down their meals.
Which begs the question: Just who is the person who decided to save a McDonald’s French fry box thinking “One day, this grease-stained piece of garbage will be worth a few bucks”? We need to meet this individual. They’re either someone with the ability to predict future outcomes or a hell of a hoarder. Maybe, it’s a combo of both.
32-Inch Michael Jordan Tune Squad Statue
Label this 32-inch statue of Michael Jordan as not only weird but also a bit spooky. Apparently, the hand-painted, resin version of His Airness was another of those in-store items given away in limited numbers. The figure nails everything from Jordan’s face to his Tune Squad uniform in good detail. The maker achieved accuracy on everything except the most important thing - the shoes.
The picture show the figure donning predominately black kicks, which we assume are supposed to be the beloved “Space Jam” Jordan 11s. We can only wish the creator would’ve etched a 23 on the back of the shoes for good measure.
Space Jam Ceramic Piggy Bank
Michael Jordan posterized many foes during his playing career. Most of his victims have been memorialized on highlight videos and photos. Only the Nerdlucks’ Bang can claim being cast in ceramic for a one of a kind piggy bank.
The sculpture features MJ jamming home a dunk into the rim, which doubles as a coin slot. Bugs Bunny looks to be escaping and Marvin the Martian, the referee, may have missed call since he’s wedged between Jordan and Bang. The piece gets an "A" for creativity since multiple characters are featured. However, the creepy grimace on MJ’s face slightly lowers the grade.
Space Jam Varsity Jacket
Most Space Jam memorabilia is stuff meant for display cases. This vintage varsity jacket is an exception to that rule.
Honestly, it’s about as bad ass as they come in terms of looks. It’s largely black sans for the vibrant logo spanning the back. The seller claims the jacket belonged to Michael Jordan. While it sports “Michael” embroidered on the chest, there’s no certificate of authenticity to prove the claim. Still a snazzy piece of apparel to rock with the upcoming “Concord” Jordan 11 Retro.
Charles Barkley Action Figure
Most Space Jam nostalgia revolves around MJ and his animated counterparts. Forgotten is the fact fellow NBA players Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Muggsy Bogues, Larry Johnson, and Shawn Bradley all had appearances. After a NBA Finals appearance in 1993, the All-Star power forward’s star power was enough to warrant an action figure bearing his likeness produced by Playmates. The Barkely toy is packaged with Wile E. Coyote, although a Pound figure would’ve made a great combo as well.
Shaquille O’Neal once mocked Barkley for the latter’s performance, calling it worse than O’Neal’s own performance in Shazam. While Barkley didn’t win an Oscar, he’s part of a formidable cast that could beat the cast of any other basketball-related flick, as long as The Nerdlucks aren’t around.
Space Jam Hare Jordan Prop Shoes
These extremely large Hare Jordan 7 replicas qualify as both weird and downright amazing. Made of a resin material, the shoes aren’t made to wear. Nonetheless, they are remarkable as far as Space Jam gear goes.
According to legend, the shoes were originally displayed as a store promo prop in select Warner Brothers stores. They were supposed to be destroyed once the promotion ended, but one store employee was smart enough to save the pair instead of tossing them.
Currently, any Tune Squad diehard willing to pay five figures can have these gems. Yes, they’re costly. They also appear to be a super rare. Better break out the credit card now and cop while they’re available.