Bill Murray made sure Michael Jordan had to request him for 'Space Jam'

Originally posted on Basketball Network
By Yakshpat Bhargava | Last updated Dec 6, 2024 3:03 PM ET

Whether on the basketball court or in his ventures off it, Michael Jordan always showed a knack for identifying the right people to complement his ambitions. From Scottie Pippen during his Chicago Bulls dynasty to Bill Murray’s short yet unforgettable appearance in Space Jam, the five-time MVP consistently surrounded himself with ideal collaborators.

However, while most would be thrilled to know the NBA’s greatest icon had an interest in working with them, Murray was a different breed. Instead, he played the ultimate cat-and-mouse game to ensure Mike had to bend his habits to get him on board.

Bill Murray forced MJ to ask him to make a cameo

During his appearance on the ‘New Heights’ podcast, the Emmy-winning actor shared his amusing backstory of joining Space Jam. Despite being highly interested and overwhelmed by the prospect of sharing the stage with Mike, Murray grew puzzled when the six-time NBA Champion sent intermediaries to recruit him instead of approaching him directly.

“About nine people said Michael really wants you to be in Space Jam. And all you have to do is nod. That’s all you gotta do,” Murray said. “I bet you Mike can find my phone number. I bet you if he sets his mind to it he can find my phone number. Or he can find out where I live.”

Even Michael Jordan had to personally ask Bill Murray to be in his movie

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Though Bill wanted to be part of the film from the start, he recognized Jordan’s unwillingness to ‘bend the knee’ and consequently decided to turn the tables. As he waited for Jordan to make the first move, to everyone’s surprise, the 14-time All-Star did just that before it got too late.

“There are people like that in the world, and you’ll meet them. They never want to be indebted to anybody for anything. So they’ll have their people sort of ask. I probably heard it from like 13 different people,” Murray added. “The more people the more I enjoyed it ‘cause I knew that son of a b---- is just twisting knowing he’s gotta ask me himself.”

Murray and Jordan had great chemistry on screen

Once the ice was broken, the duo became a part of something iconic - a groundbreaking basketball movie that blended animation and live-action in a way never seen before. Murray’s cameo may have been brief, arriving just in time to help the Tune Squad in their climactic showdown against the Monstars, but his presence and chemistry with Jordan added an extra layer of charm to the film.

While their camaraderie on the screen seemed natural, fans eventually learned how not every iconic partnership begins smoothly. Sometimes, it takes a little shattering of ego for something truly special to take shape.

This article first appeared on Basketball Network and was syndicated with permission.

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