Thanks to LeBron James, Vegan Documentary ‘The Game Changers’ Gets a Sequel

The Game Changers

byCharlotte Pointing

June 5, 2023

It's been nearly four years since the release of The Game Changers, the groundbreaking James Cameron-produced documentary that aimed to showcase the health and fitness benefits of a plant-based diet. And now, it's nearly time to do it all again. The Game Changers is officially getting a sequel, thanks to Maverick Carter and LeBron James.

With the help of world-renowned athletes—including Lewis Hamilton, Jackie Chan, Patrik Baboumian, and Arnold Schwarzenegger—the first 2019 documentary helped to smash the myth that meat is necessary for protein, racked up more than 100 million views, and turned many people away from animal products (including top bodybuilder Kai Greene).

For the sequel, Carter, a sports-marketing expert, and James, a professional basketball player (who are the duo behind the SpringHill Company—a sports-focused entertainment and production platform) will team up with many members of the team behind the original film.

The new release, however, is set to be directed by Stephanie Soechtig and Kristin Lazure, both of whom have already worked on several hard-hitting documentaries, including the critically acclaimed 2014 film Fed Up. The latter investigated the American food industry and the detrimental impact it may be having on the health of consumers.

Speaking about the impact of the first Game Changers film, Soechtig and Lazure said there was "so much more to unpack" around the subject matter. "We couldn't be more excited to join this team," they confirmed in a statement.

The Game Changers

While the initial Game Changers documentary focused predominantly on themes like plant-based diets and their role in optimal athletic performance and the myth that meat is essential for "manliness" ("You’ve got to understand, it's marketing," Schwarzenegger states in the film), the sequel is set to cast a wider net.

According to the entertainment news platform Deadline, the second film will also look closely at topics like children's health, the impact of our food system on the planet, and food justice, too. The latter is a hugely significant issue in the US, where there are more than 6,500 deserts (otherwise known as areas where healthy nutritious foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, are not easily accessible).

But just like in the first film, producer Joseph Pace and athlete James Wilkes are set to be involved in the new documentary.

To recap, Wilkes plays a key role in the first Game Changers. The former professional mixed martial artist and self-defense instructor stars as the protagonist, anchoring the film throughout its journey of historical facts (the Roman gladiators ate a mostly vegetarian diet, it turns out), plant-based athlete experiences, and the views of renowned medical experts, like Scott Stoll, MD, and Walter C. Willet, MD, who advocate for plant-based nutrition.

"With The SpringHill Company's unparalleled track record fusing athlete-led storytelling with progressive subject matter—plus Stephanie and Kristin's expert ability to weave compelling personal narratives with hard-hitting investigative journalism—we couldn't be more thrilled about this team," Wilkes said in a statement regarding the sequel.

Deadline has also confirmed that several of the original executive producers will join James, Carter, Wilkes, and Pace, and return for the second installment of The Game Changers.

"The SpringHill Company has evolved into a full-service production company, and we are thrilled that James Wilks and Joseph Pace selected us to help craft their highly anticipated sequel and equally excited to work with Stephanie and Kristin on the first of hopefully many projects," he continued.

Right now, there is no title confirmed for the second film in The Game Changers series or a release date. But if you want to go back and remind yourself of the first film, it is currently streaming on platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.

Charlotte is a writer and editor based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.

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