What condition did Michael Jordan set for director Ben Affleck to accept that his story be told in the film “Air”, available on Amazon Prime Video?
When the king speaks, the people listen and obey. Especially when the king in question is named Michael Jordan, a true living legend of basketball. The subject of numerous documentaries, the latter has also lent himself to the game of the actor, in particular by camping his own role in the comedy Space Jam.
Considered by director Ben Affleck as the only actor who could play himself in a biopic, Michael Jordan only appears from behind (in the “features” of young actor Damian Delano Young) in the feature film Air set in the early 80s, when the Chicago Bulls’ future number 23 was just a rookie who had yet to make his professional NBA debut.
Viola Davis chosen in person by His Airness
Although he was not directly involved in the production of the film, Michael Jordan was nevertheless asked for permission to use his name and tell part of his life. His agreement did not require the payment of an astronomical sum of money, but the latter nevertheless demanded one thing: that his mother Deloris be played by Viola Davis.
“It took my breath away” reacted the American actress when she learned the anecdote during the preview of the film, revealing on this occasion to be happy to have accepted the role before learning that she had been chosen in person by Michael Jordan (source : People). Fun fact: the role of James Jordan Sr. – Michael’s father – is played in the film by Julius Tennon, none other than the real husband of Viola Davis!
This requirement did not pose any problem for Ben Affleck, quite the contrary, since the latter was delighted in remarks relayed by variety to have had the opportunity to be able to direct “the best actress in the world”.
Amazon Studios Howard White is played in the film by Chris Tucker
In addition to the choice of the interpreter of his mother in the film, Michael Jordan also asked the production not to exclude Howard White from the plot, a prominent member of the Nike company in the early 80s, now vice-president of the Jordan brand. This role also allowed Ben Affleck to fulfill a long-standing wish to be able to collaborate with comedian Chris Tucker.
The film Air by and with Ben Affleck can be found now on Amazon Prime Video.
Discover the list of all the films currently available on the platform!