#44: He Was Offered the Space Jam Role Before Michael Jordan

Long before Michael Jordan’s Space Jam became a ’90s cultural juggernaut, Warner Bros. approached Larry Bird to headline the film. True to form, Bird declined the leading role—fame for fame’s sake didn’t appeal to him.

However, he did agree to a cameo as Jordan’s golf buddy, a role that subtly reflected their real-life off-court friendship. His on-screen presence was minimal but memorable, anchoring the movie with some dry humor and authenticity.