Michael Jordan has been at the center of many topics, both on and off the field, in his career as one of the few greatest figures in the history of the NBA and sports. Many projects have been done to his name, and he even took part in them, for example, 1996’s Space Jam, The Last Dance, and most recently, the movie Air, which tells the story of the Jordan shoes.
Although Jordan won’t be on-screen much, the Jordan family is at the movie's core. Young Jordan is played by Damian Young. Deloris Jordan, Michael Jordan’s mother, is played by Oscar-winner Viola Davis, and this choice is the personal request of the legendary basketball player. Ben Affleck, the director of the film, which received positive reviews and went viral since the first trailer was released, said that he (Michael Jordan) insisted on Viola Davis to portray his mother. Affleck said in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
''There’s one line for the mother character in the movie at this point, and I’m thinking, 'Oh my God, he wants me to offer this to Viola Davis. How am I going to offer Viola Davis a movie with one line? That’s not going to happen, but he was like, ‘That’s my mom.’ He was dead serious. ‘Viola Davis, that’s my mom.’ And that was it. Discussion was over. However it happened, it wasn’t his problem, but it was going to fucking happen. And I was like, ‘Okay, Mike.''
‘She’s Extraordinary’
Davis’ role in the movie is limited, but she was happy to be part of it, though she admits she struggled with the pressure. The actress told Entertainment Tonight.
''You know, you’re flattered at first and then the next second is pressure. Pressure to play the woman who basically is the orchestrator of this great athlete’s life, you know? Obviously she was so influential and then I’m looking at videos of her and if you’ve ever seen videos of Deloris Jordan, she’s extraordinary, she really is. Because she’s one of those, you know, she’s one of those people where you’re like, ‘Where did this talent come from? Where did this vision come from?''
Ben Affleck said he “begged” Davis for the role and offered the part carefully to avoid any misunderstandings.
''I’m sure it was because I said, 'Michael Jordan wants you to play his mom.' It certainly wasn’t 'Ben Affleck wants you to be in his movie.' She’s not comfortable with sycophancy or obsequiousness. You can tell it chafes her. I just treated her with respect, which is to say, 'When you’re ready, let me know. We’ll be here.''
Air will hit the cinemas worldwide on Apr. 5 before a streaming release on Prime Video.