Viola Davis is very flattered’ and ‘deeply moved’ to play Michael Jordan’s mother in the new film
The former ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ actress has been given the role of Deloris Jordan in Ben Affleck’s upcoming Nike biopic ‘Air’. She ‘felt incredibly flattered and deeply moved’ to be offered the role, according to a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter magazine.
‘Air’ tells the story of how Nike swooped in to sign basketball legend Michael Jordan with the help of Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro and his relentless pursuit for the storied athlete. It’s been hailed as one of the greatest sports movies ever made, and has won multiple awards.
Affleck directed the film and also stars as Nike co-founder Phil Knight, alongside Matt Damon. The movie also features Chris Tucker, Jason Bateman and Marlon Wayans.
“I never would have made this movie without Michael Jordan’s blessing, but he had one request,” Affleck revealed during his appearance at SXSW.
During a frank conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Affleck revealed that his solitary requirement when approaching Jordan to create “Air” was to cast Viola Davis in the role of Jordan’s mother, Deloris.
“He was in awe of her and said that if he owed anything to her, it was to make sure that she was involved on screen. He wanted her to be a part of this, and she agreed,” Affleck explained to THR.
While Davis isn’t Jordan’s actual mom, she has been a big fan of the basketball star since childhood and has always appreciated the opportunity to be involved in his legacy. She feels very flattered’ to be asked to play the role of a mother in such a historic sports film, and is looking forward to working with the talented cast on the movie.
The 57-year-old ‘Woman King’ star says that her mother has always been a huge influence in her life, and it was very moving’ to be asked to play Deloris in ‘Air’.
‘Air’ premiered at SXSW on Saturday, with the movie hitting theaters April 5. The story traces the journey of a Nike executive as he relentlessly seeks to collaborate with basketball icon Michael Jordan, resulting in the iconic Air Jordan shoe line that would forever transform the realm of sports.
“Air” stars Ben Affleck as Nike co-founder Phil Knight, alongside Damon, who plays Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro. The film also features Chris Tucker, who is making his directorial debut, and Jason Bateman as the man who convinced Jordan to join Nike.
Another big player in the film is Julius Tennon, who plays Jordan’s dad, James. The pair share a lot of scenes, and it’s easy to see why the actors have bonded over their shared love of the NBA legend.
As an actress, Davis has always admired and been inspired by Deloris Jordan, the woman who was instrumental in Jordan’s signing with Nike, and she’s eager to take on the role. She hopes her portrayal will be ‘hugely accurate’ and moving’ to audiences.
‘Air’ has already won numerous awards and is expected to be a box office hit. The film was backed by Affleck and Damon’s Artists Equity production company and will be released worldwide on April 5th.
