"That son of a b***h is twisting": Bill Murray's hilarious Michael Jordan roundabout 'Space Jam' story has NFL's Kelce brothers in splits

Actor and comedian Bill Murray was one of the standout stars of the original “Space Jam” alongside Michael Jordan. His appearance in the movie included iconic scenes, such as the memorable “I don’t play defense” line. On Wednesday’s episode of “New Heights” featuring the NFL’s Kelce brothers, the former Tune Squad member shared the story of how he joined the film.

Murray revealed that he made Jordan wait for his commitment to join the movie because he wanted the Chicago Bulls legend to personally ask him to participate.

“About nine people said, ‘You know, Michael really wants you to be in Space Jam. And all you have to do is nod. That's all you got to do,’” Murray said.

However, Murray decided to make it challenging for Michael Jordan, knowing the basketball star’s competitive mindset and belief that he could accomplish anything he set out to do. Murray told those intermediaries that he wanted Jordan to ask him directly.

“I bet you, if he sets his mind to it, he could find my phone number. Or he could find out where I live. There are people like that in the world … they never want to be indebted to anybody for anything. So they'll have … someone else ask for you. I heard it from everybody. I probably heard it from like 13 different people,” Murray said.

“And the more people, the more I enjoyed it. Because I knew it was like, that son of a b***h is just twisting, knowing he's got to ask me himself. But it was good. Finally he did, God bless him.”

In the film, Murray appeared as himself. At one point, he humorously asks Jordan if he could become an NBA player, but Jordan quips that Murray doesn’t fit the bill.

Toward the end of the movie, Murray finds his way to Tune World, helping Michael Jordan and the Tune Squad secure their victory against the Monstars. After the win, Murray jokingly declares his retirement from basketball, saying he’s tired.

Despite making Jordan work to secure his participation, Murray said he enjoyed the experience.

“It was good. I was glad I was there. And I contributed to that movie.”

Michael Jordan trash-talked NBA players on ‘Space Jam’ set, says Patrick Ewing

In addition to Michael Jordan, “Space Jam” featured several NBA players, including Charles Barkley, Muggsy Bogues, Shawn Bradley, Patrick Ewing and Larry Johnson.

In a July appearance on “The Roommates Show,” Ewing shared how Jordan’s trash-talking habits carried over to the Space Jam set.

“We would play pick-up ball after the shoot was over, we’d go out to dinner, we’d play pool, talk trash, talk about everybody’s career. Of course, Michael, he is one of the biggest trash talkers that, you know, you ever had the opportunity to meet or play against,” Ewing said (43:28 mark).

“He was always riding Charles and myself that we hadn’t won anything as yet.”

Despite Michael Jordan's antics, Ewing said he enjoyed the experience. The movie, which had an $80 million budget, earned more than $250 million at the global box office.