Why was Michael Jordan not shown in ‘AIR’? Real reason behind MJ’s absence

Here's why Michael Jordan was not shown in AIR, a movie that is entirely based on the story how Nike landed the Jordan deal.

Why was Michael Jordan not shown in ‘AIR’? Real reason behind MJ’s absence

(via Ben Affleck's AIR)

There perhaps has been no other sporting apparel partnership that changed the industry in a way that Michael Jordan’s iconic deal with Nike did. Ben Affleck’s ‘AIR’, which portrayed the chain of incidents that eventually led to the signing of the Nike-Jordan deal, has excluded Michael Jordan from taking center stage in the movie. So exactly why was Michael Jordan not shown in AIR?

A critically acclaimed piece featuring an elite ensemble cast of Matt Damon, Viola Davis, Chris Tucker, and Affleck himself – AIR is one wonderful production. The way it stayed true to the original happenings of 1984 with its precise storytelling, fans have been widely impressed.

But amid all the many positive aspects of the film, Jordan’s absence as the protagonist of the story is slightly disconcerting. Ben Affleck, however, had his own set of reasons for deciding on the move that let the movie focus on the other individuals who eventually influenced the iconic singing. Here’s exactly why Michael Jordan was absent from Ben Affleck’s AIR.

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Why was Michael Jordan not shown in ‘AIR’?

NBA GOAT Michael Jordan is a name that transcends beyond the audience of the game itself. Jordan has evolved into a global icon over the years, not only owning to his on-court legendary prowess but also for the brand value he has amassed with his iconic line of Air Jordan shoes.

It was perhaps out of respect for Jordan’s greatness that Ben Affleck chose not to feature someone else in his shoes.

Matt damon as sonny vaccaro
Matt Damon as Sonny Vaccaro in a still from the movie (AIR)

Affleck justified his approach to the portrayal of the story without Jordan from a similar line of reasoning on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

There is no way I was ever going to ask an audience to believe that anybody other than Michael Jordan was Michael Jordan. Which was also out of my own naked self-interest, frankly, because I knew it would destroy the movie.
Ben Affleck on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
YouTube video
You will see him [in archival clips] in the movie, but you will see Michael Jordan as he truly is in his authentic masterful genius which exists for all of us to see. It was a deliberate choice.
he added.

Then why not cast the man himself in the role? Well, the reason is quite obvious, and perhaps MJ had asked something similar to Affleck.

I thought he was too majestic to have anyone impersonate him and — as I told him — 'You’re too old to play the part.'
Affleck on why he did not cast Michael Jordan in his titular role.
Ben Affleck ; Michael Jordan AIR
Ben Affleck as Phil Knight in a still from the movie (AIR)

Michael Jordan’s immense fame and iconic status made it challenging for any actor to convincingly portray him in a film. Affleck suggested that Jordan’s level of recognition is so high that it would be difficult for audiences to suspend their disbelief and accept any actor other than Jordan himself in the role.

Who plays Michael Jordan in AIR?

But someone does play Jordan in the movie, right? Although the few frames where we do get to see a young Michael Jordan in AIR are only side profiles or just a rear shot, Damian Delano Young portrayed MJ in the movie.

Viola Davis ; Michael Jordan AIR
Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan in a still from the movie (AIR)

And as for the character of Jordan’s mother, Deloris Jordan – the lady who made the elephantine signing possible – Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis took up the role. Relating their conversation on the matter, Ben Affleck said it was the legend’s personal wish to have Davis cast in the role. 

He said, 'None of this would have ever happened without my mother.' I said, 'Who would you like to play your mom?' He said, 'Well, it has to be Viola Davis.'
Affleck on why he cast Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan.

Haven’t watched AIR yet? You will be doing yourself a grave disservice by missing out on this one.

FAQs

Q. Is Michael Jordan there in AIR?

Michael Jordan appears in the movie ‘AIR’ only in game footages.

Q. Who played Michael Jordan in AIR?

Damian Delano Young played Michael Jordan in the movie ‘AIR.’

Q. Who plays Michael Jordan’s mother in AIR?

Viola Davis plays Deloris Jordan, Michael Jordan’s mother, in the movie ‘AIR.’

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