Just days ahead of the September 5 release of NBA 2K26, fans got their first look at the House of 2K, a live-action trailer that’s as stylish and kinetic as the franchise itself. Directed by Calmatic (House Party, White Men Can’t Jump) of Prettybird and edited by Jono Griffith of bicoastal Union, the 90-second film stars none other than Spike Lee, who guides players through a cinematic tribute to the game of basketball and its most iconic moments.
For Griffith, whose editorial work includes two Super Bowl Ad Meter winners—NFL’s “100 Year Game” (directed by Peter Berg for 72andSunny) and Kia’s “Hero’s Journey” starring Melissa McCarthy (directed by Matthijs van Heijningen for David & Goliath)—this project carried its own gravity. “The script was full of fun and big game swagger,” said Griffith. “Julia Johnson, Chris Rutkoski, and Rob Liggins from 2K know and love their game and it showed. Calmatic has his famous cinematic POV and sprinkles craft everywhere. DJ Premier found time to appear and score. And Spike effing Lee! Cool supernova!”
Watch below:
The trailer doesn’t just celebrate NBA 2K26—it captures the mythology of basketball itself, weaving together heritage, hip-hop, and spectacle with a director known for bold visuals, an editor with big-game chops, and a cultural icon at its center.
CREDITS:
BRAND: 2K
- Sr. Director, Global Creative: Chris Rutkowski
- Producer, Live-Action & Field Production: Julia Johnson
- Copywriter: Rob Liggins
- SVP, Global Creative: Sami Thessman
- VP, Marketing Strategy, NBA: Crystal MacKenzie
- Sr. Director, Brand Marketing – NBA: Leah Barash
- Sr. Director, Global Integrated Marketing – NBA: Dana Tarricone
- Sr. Manager, Product Marketing – NBA: Andreas Westfield
- Sr. Manager, Global Integrated Marketing – NBA: Alena Kleinbrodt
- Sr. Director, Partnerships and Licensing: David Kelley
- Sr. Manager, Music Licensing: Richie Menchavez
- Sr. Manager, Global Licensing: Reilly Fellner
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Prettybird
- Director: Calmatic
- DP: Cory Bermester
- CEO: Kerstin Emhoff
- EP/VP: Suzanne Hargrove
- Head of Production: Rachel Main
- Line Producer: James Graves
EDIT: Union Editorial
- Editor: Jono Griffth
- Assistant Editor: Colin Davis
- Executive Producer: Joe Ross
- President/Managing Director: Michael Raimondi
FINISHING/VFX: Noise
- EP: Karen Anderson
- Producer: Ishaa Kotecha
- CD, VFX Supervisor: Alvin Cruz
- CD, VFX Supervisor: Olly Caiden
- Head of CG: Corinne DeOrsay
- Previz Animator: Alex Moon
- CG Modeller: Leo Chung
- CG Modeller: Cesar Zambelli
- CG Lighter: Ryan Kirkwood
- CG Lighter: Lorena Cano Acosta
- Compositor: Chung-Pu Hsaio
- Compositor: Dave Ince
- Compositor: Joe Censoplano
COLOR: Company 3
- Senior Colorist: Dave Hussey
- Assistant Colorist: James Harmon
- Producer: Jenny Roberts
- Associate Producer: Beatriz Rodriguez
POST AUDIO HOUSE: Vaudeville Sound
- Sound Design and Mix: Mike Regan
- Audio Post Producer: Clarisse Guevarra
- Director of Operations: Melissa Sonderegger
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