Netflix just added Michael Jordan and ‘96 Chicago Bulls documentary The Last Dance to its streams this month. Now it’s set to add another very important basketball story.
Hoops is the latest animated comedy for Netflix and it will follow a temperamental high school basketball coach Ben Hopkins (Jake Johnson) who is set on turning his awful team into a winner just so he can feel slightly less miserable. The project comes with some high-profile talent attached. Prolific animation producers Chris Miller and Phil Lord will reunite with their Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse star in Johnson and serve as executive producers. Seth Cohen and M. Dickson executive produce as well. The series was created by Ben Hoffman.
Hoops will premiere August 21, 2020 on Netflix. The streamer also revealed a trailer to offer up a first look at the series.
Remember, kids, the most important thing about shooting is the follow-through. I’m no Phil Jackson, but it seems as though the Colts are in big trouble. As part of the release date announcement, Netflix confirmed the cast of the series. It is as follows:
Jake Johnson as Coach Ben Hopkins: A pathetic, angry, foul-mouthed coach desperate to prove himself, but always looking for an easy way to get the job done. He’s shameless and selfish, and given the opportunity to do the right thing, he fails most of the time.
Rob Riggle as Barry Hopkins: Ben’s father. A former pro athlete turned steakhouse owner. Barry frequently rips his son, and doesn’t respect him, but still wants the best for him.
Natasha Leggero as Shannon: Ben’s estranged wife. She’s got a history of impulsive behavior and rash decisions, but has straightened up her life since leaving Ben and is focused on making her horse farm a success.
Ron Funches as Ron: Assistant Coach and Ben’s best friend. Considerate, quiet and patient, he’s Ben’s polar opposite.
Cleo King as Opal: Ben’s boss and Principal of Lenwood High who doesn’t like her job and is nearly as foul-mouthed as Ben. She’s unlucky in love, superstitious and has a talent for singing.
A.D. Miles as Matty: 16 year old seven-footer whose father abandoned him when he was young. Matty struggles with his body off the court and has a hard time making friends.
Hoops will be creator Ben Hoffman’s first foray into animation. The comedian has appeared on shows such as New Girl (which starred Johnson) and Sports Show with Norm McDonald. He is likely best known, however, for his career as satirical country singer Wheeler Walker Jr. Walker Jr.’s output could best be described as “foul-mouthed” so it’s clear where Coach Ben Hopkins gets it from.
