Though Amy Schumer is the writer and star of Trainwreck, set for a nationwide release on Friday, recent marketing for the movie has foregrounded LeBron James‘ role in the movie, which is far more than a cameo. He does play himself, but a fictional version in which he is male lead Bill Hader’s best friend in the movie. While it might seem a little obvious to yell from the rooftops, “Come see this movie! LeBron’s in it,” it’s actually a very good idea because LeBron can actually deliver on the promise. He’s got legitimate comic timing.
This promotional video surrounding LeBron’s role in Trainwreck reassures viewers that he was not just a stunt-casting. He’s got the chops to pull off Apatow-level comedic scenes (and he can also make Bill Hader look like a tiny baby-man if they play basketball together; there are some great shots of that in this video). Remember early in his career, when he played four characters at once in a line of commercials for Nike called “The LeBrons?” Do you remember that they were actually funny? I do:
Over LeBron’s career, as he’s been picked apart by every corner of sports media, he’s stripped away much of his public persona that could lend any credence whatsoever to theories that winning isn’t his number one priority. It’s what the loudest yellers on ESPN demanded of him, but it has robbed us of more public silliness from one of the most charismatic athlete figures in America. Thank the heavens that Trainwreck seems to have allowed him to re-engage with his comic persona.
(Via NME)
