In a recent discussion on the *All the Smoke* podcast, actor and director Ben Affleck addressed a lingering question about the film *Air*, which explores the inception of the iconic Air Jordan sneaker line at Nike. Many viewers have wondered why the film does not feature anyone portraying basketball legend Michael Jordan. Affleck explained that this decision stemmed from a meeting he had with Jordan before production began.
Affleck and his frequent collaborator, Matt Damon, released *Air* in 2023, with Affleck portraying Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Damon playing renowned sneaker executive Sonny Vaccaro. The film received widespread acclaim and earned an Oscar nomination, yet the absence of a Jordan portrayal continues to spark curiosity among audiences.
During the podcast, Affleck revealed that he had a direct conversation with Jordan regarding the film. “When we got a hold of this story,” he recounted, “I knew [Jordan] well enough basically just to call him up and go, ‘Hey look, I got a hold of this script, I’d like to make the movie, but I have too much respect for you and what you mean, and I’m not gonna do anything that you’re not down with.’”
Affleck shared that Jordan invited him to his golf course, where they discussed the aspects of the film that mattered most to the basketball star. Unsurprisingly, one major concern for Jordan was the portrayal of his family. He specifically requested that Viola Davis play his mother, Deloris Jordan, which Affleck enthusiastically supported.
“I’m not gonna put you in the movie,” Affleck recalled telling Jordan. “Because you’re such an icon, as soon as I show somebody and try to be like, ‘That’s Michael Jordan,’ you’re just gonna be like, ‘No it isn’t.’” The director opted to keep Jordan’s appearance minimal, reinforcing the focus on his family and Nike’s role in the story.
While Affleck’s decision to exclude a full depiction of Jordan might have surprised some, he emphasized that it ultimately served the narrative. “I don’t know if he liked that or not,” Affleck joked, “but he was like, ‘Alright,’” before confirming Davis for the role.
Davis, who previously collaborated with Affleck on *Suicide Squad*, delivered a powerful performance, further validated by Jordan’s request. Notably, Jordan’s father, James Jordan, is portrayed in the film by Davis’s real-life husband, Julius Tennon.
In *Air*, Jordan is visually represented only in fleeting moments, ensuring the narrative centers around the development of his legacy through Nike and his family dynamics. The film has resonated with audiences, providing insight into how the Air Jordan brand became a cultural phenomenon.
For those eager to see Jordan on screen, his iconic performances can be found in *Space Jam*. *Air* is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, allowing fans to explore the early days of a basketball icon’s journey.
