Viola Davis Says She Was ‘Very Flattered & Deeply Moved’ When Michael Jordan Requested That She Portray His Mother In Upcoming Film ‘Air’

Viola Davis, Michael Jordan

Viola Davis Says She Was ‘Very Flattered & Deeply Moved’ When Michael Jordan Requested That She Portray His Mother In Upcoming Film ‘Air’

Basketball legend Michael Jordan reportedly requested Viola Davis to portray his mother in his upcoming movie “Air.”

According to reports, when director Ben Affleck met with Michael Jordan about his new film “Air,” which highlights the ballplayer’s historic sneaker deal with Nike, the basketball icon had one request.

Michael Jordan

Ben Affleck recently recalled what Michael Jordan requested of him and according to the filmmaker, Michael said,

“Viola Davis. That’s my mom.”

Viola Davis

Reportedly, “Air” follows a key moment in Michael’s story of how his family and a group of executives at Nike revolutionized the business with the birth of the Air Jordan brand and the partnership between Nike and a then-rookie Michael. In addition to Viola Davis playing Michael’s mother, Deloris Jordan, Viola’s real-life husband, Julius Tennon, will star as Michael’s dad.

Michael Jordan

During a recent interview, Viola Davis talked about her latest role and reportedly shared,

“Mothers are the most important figures in anybody’s life, so I was very flattered and deeply moved to be asked to play Michael’s mother.”

The award-winning actress continued,

“I know Michael Jordan but didn’t know that Deloris brokered this deal to get him a huge stake in the shoe and in turn, protected her son’s legacy. I wanted to know more about this woman who had the strength and courage to fight for her son’s worth. For Deloris to have this insight and progressive vision, to stand her ground in the negotiation room — which I know can be the hardest part of the job — makes her an incredible woman. That made me lean into this project.”

Prior to Ben Affleck’s meeting with Michael, he reportedly said Deloris Jordan’s character was minimal in the script during its early stages. However, after receiving Michael’s input, Ben then began to see Deloris Jordan’s vitality in the story and decided to expand the role.

“Air” will reportedly open in theaters across the globe on April 5 in advance of its debut on Amazon’s Prime Video.

Viola is the recipient of numerous accolades through some of her most notable roles to date, which include; “The Help” (2011), “Suicide Squad” (2016), “Fences” (2016), “How To Get Away With Murder” (2014-2020), “The First Lady” (2022), and “The Woman King” (2022).

Are you excited about the premiere of “Air” starring Viola Davis? Leave a comment below! 

[Sources: 1, 2]