Ben Affleck reveals Michael Jordan’s blessing in new movie Air
One of the most anticipated movies for the month of April is directed by Ben Affleck. The movie will tell the origin story of a piece of Michael Jordan's legacy. Affleck had to do two things to get Jordan's blessing for the movie, in order to get the blessing of the movie.
What Happened: Affleck's new film starring Matt Damon and Nike Inc NKE signed Jordan to a shoe endorsement deal before he began his NBA career.
The film, titled Air, stars Damon as Sonny Vaccaro and Affleck as Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike. The film shows how Vaccaro convinced Jordan, played by Damian Young, to sign a deal with Nike and how the Air Jordan shoe line was created.
In the movie is actress Viola Davis, who plays Jordan's mother in the movie. The inclusion of Davis was a key item demanded by Jordan.
Affleck told the audience that he wouldn't have made the movie without the blessing of Jordan, while introducing the film at its premiere in South by Southwest.
I had a chance to sit down with Michael Jordan, because I wasn't going to make this movie without asking him, what matters to you? Affleck said something.
Affleck said Jordan wanted to see Howard White, the vice president of the Jordan brand, included in the movie.
Jordan was casting Davis as his mother.
Jordan said that he and his mother would have no of this happen without my mother.
When Affleck asked the NBA legend who he would like to portray his mom, there was only one answer.
It has to be Viola Davis, Jordan told Affleck.
Affleck said Jordan is one of the most intimidating people he has met in life. Affleck said that Affleck's request to have Davis in the movie would be similar to asking someone Can I play basketball on my court? The person saying yeah, if you get Michael Jordan. Affleck was able to cast Davis and welcome her on stage after his speech to highlight the Oscar-winning actress before the world premiere of Air. Why It is Important: Affleck has won several awards for his work behind the camera and for writing screenplays with movies like Good Will Hunting and Argo. Air could be the latest movie from Affleck that has received strong praise from critics and audiences. The movie has an 8.9 rating on IMDb, based on the limited number of people who have watched it. Five critics have rated the film with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Amazon Studios, a unit of Amazon.com Inc AMZN, will release Air in theaters. This is the first movie by Amazon Studios that will not premiere on Amazon Prime Video at the same time.
Amazon has been big in the success of the film, starring the trailer during Super Bowl LVII and showing the trailer during larger sporting events.
The strong reviews by critics and award nominations could boost Amazon Studios' presence in the film space.
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