LeBron James brings Hollywood to Akron again with ‘Shooting Stars’ premiere

From left, Romeo Travis (Scoot Henderson), Dru Joyce III (Caleb McLaughlin), LeBron James (Marquis “Mookie” Cook), Willie McGee (Avery S. Wills, Jr.) and Sian Cotton (Khalil Everage) in “Shooting Stars,” directed by Chris Robinson.

LeBron James once again has Hollywood calling out, “Lights, camera, Akron!”

The LeBron James Family Foundation and Universal Pictures have partnered to host the Akron premiere of “Shooting Stars,” a movie based on the book by James and Buzz Bissinger about the NBA superstar and his childhood friends leading the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School basketball team to three state championships and a USA Today poll national title.

A private screening complete with red-carpet treatment is being held Saturday night at House Three Thirty for filmmakers and key figures who are portrayed in the movie. Other showings were held earlier in the day for the I Promise Program, STVM, community partners of The LeBron James Family Foundation and media members.

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Marquis “Mookie” Cook as LeBron James in “Shooting Stars,” directed by Chris Robinson.

Check back here to follow coverage from the Akron premiere of “Shooting Stars” at House Three Thirty.

Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce II, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, Romeo Travis hit the red carpet

Romeo Travis, Dru Joyce III, Dru Joyce II, Sian Cotton and Willie McGee (left to right) on the red carpet for the premiere of the “Shooting Stars” movie at House Three Thirty in Akron.

Sian Cotton (near camera), Dru Joyce III (green jacket), Willie and Romeo Travis (being interviewed), who all played for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School on the red carpet for the premiere of “Shooting Stars” in Akron.

Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee and Romeo Travis, who played with LeBron James at St. Vincent-St. Mary, walked the red carpet for the “Shooting Stars” premiere at House Three Thirty in Akron. They were joined by Irish coach Dru Joyce II.

Dru Joyce II, Dru Joyce III on what the movie means to them, Akron

“Me and my brothers, we’re Akron through and through,” Dru Joyce III said. “From the time we were kids to right now. We’ve always felt a sense of pride in our city. It’s home for us.

“We’ve always felt responsible to hold the city up and make it shine. We want people to know all the great things that happen here, all the great people that come from our city and the work ethic we have behind us.”

Story continues

Lakers vs Nuggets Western Conference Finals with LeBron James tips off as ‘Shooting Stars’ starts in Akron

Just about as “Shooting Stars” was starting in Akron, one of the movie’s protagonists was on the other side of the country going to work.

LeBron James and the Lakers are in Los Angeles to host Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets. James and the Lakers trail in the series 0-2.

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes attend movie premiere

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes were among those in attendance for an early evening showing of “Shooting Stars” at House Three Thirty.

Horrigan is in final term as mayor of the city.

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James was also responsible for the last time a major Hollywood film featured a premiere with an Akron flavor.

The now-closed Regal movie theater in Montrose was the venue for a special showing of the comedy “Trainwreck” in 2015, with supporting actor James, the film’s star and writer, Amy Schumer, co-stars Bill Hader and Vanessa Bayer and director Judd Apatow attending another red-carpet event.

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The stars even snacked on burgers from the nearest Swensons Drive-In, a hometown favorite of James.

However, the aforementioned Game 3 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles prevented James from attending the Akron premiere of “Shooting Stars,” which will stream exclusively on the NBCUniversal streaming service Peacock beginning June 2.

Marquis “Mookie” Cook as LeBron James in “Shooting Stars,” directed by Chris Robinson.

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: LeBron James brings Hollywood to Akron again with ‘Shooting Stars’