‘It doesn’t seem right’: Fans react to Zendaya as Lola Bunny in Space Jam: A New Legacy
‘This is what happens when studios forget that actual voice actors exist’, one fan says
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fans have sounded off on social media around Lola Bunny's voice after a Space Jam: A New Legacy promotion was released over the weekend.
On Sunday (6 June), ESPN unveiled a Space Jam-inspired parody of its 30 For 30 series, “The Bunny & The GOAT”, featuring Lakers legend LeBron James, Bugs Bunny and Lola Bunny, voiced by Zendaya.
“I love Zendaya, but this just sounds like her natural voice rather than a voice for Lola,” wrote one fan.
“Yeah… I totally agree and I love love love Zendaya, she does no wrong, but I don’t hear Lola at all,” wrote another commenter.
“This is what happens when studios forget that actual voice actors exist,” wrote another fan, chiming in on a debate around whether famous actors should be cast in animated films, as opposed to voice actors.
“It doesn’t seem right. No hate to Zendaya, though,” wrote another fan.
Other fans were more forgiving. One countered, “Did y’all expect Zendaya not to sound like Zendaya, I’m confused.”
The character of Lola Bunny was originally played by voice actor Kath Soucie in 1996.
Earlier in April, the first trailer for Space Jam 2 was released starring LeBron James.
The sequel of the much-loved 1996 original was confirmed back in September 2018.
The film sees LeBron plunged into a Ready Player One-style multiverse where he must participate in a basketball match against Don Cheadle’s villainous boss to free himself and his son, played by Cedric Joe.
Space Jam: A New Legacy will be released in the US in cinemas and on HBO Max on 16 July. Its UK release date follows a week later on 23 July.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments