Skip to main content

Ben Affleck’s ‘Air’ is the Michael Jordan story you haven’t seen

Nike and Michael Jordan's partnership are the focus of 'Air'

Michael Jordan is one of the most decorated players in NBA history. Winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and five NBA MVP Awards, Air Jordan is synonymous with hoops greatness. Over 25 years since his last title win with the Bulls, Jordan is still an icon and one of the most famous athletes on the planet. Why? It’s got to be more than just his on-court accomplishments that contribute to his enduring legacy for millions of fans, many of who weren’t even born yet when Jordan was last seen lacing up his sneakers.

Ben Affleck is determined to get to the bottom of Michael Jordan’s continued relevance in the public eye. Unlike other Michael Jordan films that have been released as of late, Air won’t include Jordan as a character in the story, but rather all of the people who helped shape his decision to join Nike as their signature shoe endorser in the 1980s. This is a brilliant idea, as Air Jordan shoes are still some of the most popular all around the world. The brand sells more than $5 billion worth of shoes every year, a deal which is mutually beneficial to both the shoe corporation and Jordan over two decades after his retirement from the game.

We have the trailer for Air posted below so you can get acquainted with the story, actors, and characters who will represent one of the most famous business deals in sports history.

AIR | Official Trailer

There are some major A-list actors in this cast. We’re so excited to see Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, real-life best friends and award-winning Hollywood stars, team up as shoe salesman Sonny Vaccaro and Nike co-founder Phil Knight. Viola Davis is on fire after her powerful performance in The Woman King, and she’ll bring Michael Jordan’s mother, Deloris, to the screen. According to USA Today, MJ personally told Affleck, who is also directing the film, that he wanted Davis to star as his mom. Other famous names in the cast include Chris Tucker, Jason Bateman, and Marlon Wayans.

The Air Jordan movie release date is April 5, 2023. The film is being distributed by Amazon, a potential sign of the ways streaming could seep into movie theaters in the future. Hopefully, this film will give even more perspective on the incredible details and story surrounding one of the greatest athletes to ever play the game!

Shawn Laib
Shawn Laib is a freelance writer with publications such as Den of Geek, Quote.com, Edge Media Network, diaTribe, SUPERJUMP…
You can now stream the original Shōgun miniseries — here’s how
You can now stream the original Shōgun from the '80s!
Yoko Shimada and Richard Chamberlain in Shogun.

After making a tremendous debut earlier this year, FX and Hulu's Shōgun is easily one of the top TV series of 2024. In addition to being critically acclaimed, Shōgun is such a massive hit that FX is already planning additional seasons to what was originally a standalone adaptation of James Clavell's 1975 novel. It was also one of Hulu's most-streamed series of the year, so it's understandable why FX wants to keep the show going.

This isn't the first time that Shōgun has taken audiences by storm. The original TV adaptation of Shōgun from 1980 was widely considered one of the greatest miniseries ever made. It also had the distinction of being the first and only U.S. production to be filmed entirely in Japan. At the time the new Shōgun premiered earlier this year, the original miniseries wasn't available to stream. But thanks to the new adaptation, fans can now find the 1980 incarnation of Shōgun on one of the major streaming services.
Where is the original Shōgun available to stream?

Read more
TV shows to watch: These summer series are can’t miss
8 shows you have to stream this summer
Tom Glynn-Carney as King Aegon II Targaryen in House of the Dragon

Summer used to just be for the movies. Blockbusters were a reprieve from the sweltering sunshine, and the biggest names in Hollywood always saved their best for June, July, and August. As movie theaters have become less prominent and at-home entertainment takes over during the digital age, streaming and television have become just as popular during the hottest time of the year.

2024 looks to be another loud reminder of the greatness that continues to kindle on Netflix, Hulu, Max, and the other prominent streamers. Debut seasons of historical dramas, superhero shows in their primes running on all cylinders, and comedies that should be deemed dramas are all up at bat in the season's best new shows. Let's look at the top eight you need to stream immediately upon release!

Read more
10 Mark Ruffalo movies you have to watch (that aren’t Marvel)
These are the best Mark Ruffalo movies that have nothing to do with the Hulk
Mark Ruffalo at Comic-Con

Mark Ruffalo is interviewed at a convention. Gage Skidmore / Flickr

When looking at all of the actors from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mark Ruffalo has arguably enjoyed the greatest amount of success outside of the superhero realm. Ruffalo experiments with different genres and Oscar-worthy films to carry a high level of respect from his peers and fans at home. Watching any Mark Ruffalo movie instantly allows someone to see how he absorbs himself into a role and becomes an entirely different person.

Read more