NBA News 2015: LeBron James Shoots for Hollywood Stardom
LeBron James is a very strong actor.
This was what "Trainwreck" director Judd Apatow had to say about the NBA superstar, who co-starred in his next directorial movie that was written and starred by Amy Schumer.
"We tested the movie, and he (James) gets laughter as big as anyone... LeBron is a very strong actor, and he has a fantastic sense of humor," Apatow said in an exclusive interview.
"We do a lot of improvisation, and he was really good at it. As a result, it's a really fun, wild, slightly strange performance that really scores," he added, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"Trainwreck" follows Schumer as a single girl who finds her comfortable life spent dating around interrupted by what might be the perfect guy.
"King James" plays himself with co-stars Bill Hader and Brie Larson in Apatow's film, which will open on July 17. WWE wrestler John Cena also makes a guest appearance.
James' big screen debut in Apatow's film could be seen as a trial balloon for the NBA superstar's onscreen career.
James has already established his own Spring Hill Productions, which was named for the housing complex he moved into with his mother when he was in sixth grade. The company is currently building a portfolio of TV and digital projects. These include ownership and creative control over Disney series "Becoming," the Starz-scripted dramedy "Survivor's Remorse," the reality show "Uninterrupted" for Turner's digital platform Bleacher Report, and a trivia game-show pilot for NBC.
Sources said the company is close to finalizing a deal for a series show on CNBC that will have James as one of those to lead the transformation of distressed businesses.
They added that the company is also talking to executives at NBC Universal's male-targeted Esquire Network about a "bucket list" show featuring James.
James' agents at the WME talent agency are entering into a series of modest TV deals to gain a foothold in an industry that is creatively challenged and economically lean, The Hollywood Reporter added.