We’re getting the first look at Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in the Affleck-directed dramedy film Air about the creation of Nike’s Air Jordans.
Damon stars as Sonny Vaccaro, the Nike marketing executive who signed Michael Jordan for a deal with the company, leading to the development of the iconic shoe. Affleck directs and portrays Nike co-founder Phil Knight in the story surrounding Nike’s longshot effort to sign Jordan to its shoe company in the mid-’80s, an endorsement that seemed impossible at the time but which would become the most significant relationship between an athletic brand and an athlete and launched the global, multibillion-dollar contemporary sneaker industry. Sonny’s relentless quest to sign Jordan to what was then the third-place shoe company takes him to Jordan’s parents, and in particular his powerful, dynamic mother, as well as to former coaches, advisors, friends and those close to Michael. Jordan himself is a giant mythic figure hovering above the movie and never seen, while Sonny tries to reach him by gaining access to those close to him and around him.
Viola Davis also stars as Deloris Jordan, Michael’s mother, a fierce advocate for her son, who was instrumental in negotiating this unprecedented deal, and was committed to ensuring her son’s legacy. Additional cast includes Jason Bateman as Rob Strasser, Chris Messina as David Falk, Marlon Wayans as George Raveling, Chris Tucker as Howard White, Matthew Maher as Peter Moore, Gustaf Skarsgård as Horst Dassler, and Julius Tennon as James Jordan.
Air reunites Affleck and Damon, marking the first time Affleck has directed his longtime friend and collaborator.
The pic from Amazon Studios, Skydance Sports and Mandalay Pictures, is written by Alex Convery and produced by David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, Jon Weinbach, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Madison Ainley, Jeff Robinov, Peter Guber, and Jason Michael Berman.
Air hits theaters on April 5.
Watch the trailer above.
