Air, the much anticipated upcoming Michael Jordan movie, opens in theaters in April. Movie and basketball fans are rightfully pumped. The film is noted to be a cinematic masterpiece. Critics state it captures the essence of one of the most groundbreaking partnerships in sports history. And here is everything we know about it.
Indeed, movies about sports, particularly basketball, are not new. Basketball and cinema have shared a rich history, dating back to the 1930s when the Harlem Globetrotters first appeared in films.
Basketball Movies and Air Jordan
However, despite numerous basketball-themed movies and documentaries, a biopic on one of the sport's most prominent and distinguished players, Michael Jordan, has yet to be made.
Jordan's impact on the sport is undeniable. He has won six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals. Not to mention many other numerous other accolades. Widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, Jordan and his legacy have continued growing. Even in his retirement, his Air Jordan brand of shoes is still wildly popular.
A Bit of Nike History with Jordan
Nike's partnership with Jordan to create the Air Jordan brand of sneakers in 1984. And it was considered a risky move. The NBA had strict rules about uniformity in footwear. Jordan's preference for colorful sneakers went against the norm.
However, Nike's marketing campaign for the Air Jordans was a monumental success. It featured Jordan in iconic ads and created a cult following around the brand. The shoes were not only a triumph on the court, but they also became a fashion statement off the court. Fans clamored for each latest release.
The Air Jordan line of sneakers continues to be a chief player in the sneaker industry today. New releases create a buzz among sneakerheads almost 40 years later.
The Buzz about the Movie 'Air'
Although movies such as Space Jam (1996) featured Michael Jordan, it was not about Jordan's life story. Air is something completely different.
Air highlights the groundbreaking partnership between Jordan and Nike. A relationship that forever changed how we view sports branding and fashion. Specifically, Ben Affleck's Air attempts to show audiences a new side to a world they thought they knew.
Air explores the humble beginnings of Jordan. It also dives into how Nike went from being a joke in the industry to one of the world's biggest sports accessory brands. Additionally, it focuses on the rise of Nike's Air Jordan shoe and its iconic part of the sports shoe world.
What's It About?
The film is set in the 1980s when Nike struggled to compete with rivals such as Adidas and Converse. The company's executives were looking for a way to get a foothold in the basketball market. That's when Vaccaro approached them with the idea of signing Jordan.
However, Nike's management initially hesitated. They thought that the rookie player needed to be more proven to be worth the investment. Eventually, they took the risk. The Air Jordan line became one of the most popular and profitable shoe brands of all time.
In Air, audiences will witness the power of teamwork as Nike's fledgling basketball division takes a risk that pays off more than anyone could have imagined.
The Stars of the Movie
Air presents audiences with an all-star ensemble cast. The film features Matt Damon as Sonny Vaccaro. Vaccaro is the aspiring sports executive who signed Jordan to his historic contract at Nike.
In addition, Ben Affleck plays Nike co-founder Phil Knight. Knight saw the prospects in Jordan when no one else did. Meanwhile, Deloris Jordan, portrayed by Viola Davis, brings a mother's perspective to the table. Deloris fiercely advocates for her son's worth and talent.
In addition to the main cast, the movie also features a supporting cast of talented actors. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who plays a fictionalized version of himself, and Jon Bernthal, who plays the head of Nike's marketing division. Both make unforgettable cameos.
Air marks the first time Affleck directs his longtime friend and collaborator, Damon. The two have previously worked together on a number of projects, including Good Will Hunting (1997) which they co-wrote and starred in, as well as Dogma (1999) and the Jay and Silent Bob movies.
Fans Can't-Wait to See 'Air'
Air promises to be a riveting portrayal of the partnership between Michael Jordan and Nike that transformed the basketball world and revolutionized sneaker culture.
Fans of basketball, shoe enthusiasts, and Michael Jordan fans alike are eagerly anticipating the release of Air and are hungrily awaiting the chance to witness the story of how a rookie basketball player and a fledgling shoe company changed the game forever.
Air is scheduled to be released in theaters in April 2023.