There is a lot of debate going on right now over the redesign of Lola Bunny in the new Space Jam movie. In the sequel, Lola Bunny has been desexualized, and over the past few months it has sparked a big debate on social media.
The director of the movie, Malcolm D. Lee told EW that after watching 1996’s Space Jam for the first time in 2019, he was caught off guard by the “very sexualized” Lola Bunny.
“This is 2021. It’s important to reflect the authenticity of strong, capable female characters,” he said.
“I had no idea that people would be that up in arms about a bunny not having boobs.” Lee also told the outlet.
He continued, “Listen, I understand people don’t want things to change, but I think we needed some evolution with her, not by objectifying her but by making her strong and still feminine. And, yes, we had all these other women who were like, ‘Oh, you can’t be strong and have big boobs?!’ Sure you can, but we’re talking about a cartoon bunny not women!”
I really feel that a big part of it will be how she is treated in the movie, because inevitably if she is not treated as the object of affection – the message will read that if you aren’t sexualized, you aren’t attractive.
It is a hard line to walk, though again, I do understand both sides of the argument and I am not sure of what I think, without seeing the movie, I am glad that Zendaya responded to the backlash over Lola’s change in look.
“I didn’t know that was going to happen either!” Zendaya said in her interview with EW. “I definitely know we love her, but I didn’t know it was going to be as much of a focus as it was. [Laughs] But I understand, because she’s a lovable character. She’s very important, so I get it.”
She added: “She’s special to a lot of people and their childhoods and they’ve been able to grow up with her, so I get that sense of protection.
“I was like, listen, just as long as I did what the director and the producers and everybody wanted me to do, I’m just here to offer my services. [Laughs] No, but I felt really grateful just to have the opportunity.”
What do you think of Lola Bunny‘s change? Are you for it or against it?