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Matt Damon & Ben Affleck Hunt Down Michael Jordan in First ‘Air’ Trailer
The highly anticipated film AIR is about to take us on a journey through one of the most historic moments in sneaker culture. Taking us back to the early days of Nike, before it became the behemoth it is today, the trailer previews how the brand signed a rookie Michael Jordan. Spoiler alert, it led to one of the most successful and lucrative partnerships in sports history. Directed by and featuring the dynamic duo of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, it promises, if nothing else, to be the best Nike commercial we’ve seen in years.
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Image: Universal Pictures
At the centre of the film is Sonny Vaccaro, a Nike marketing executive played by Damon. Vaccaro takes a risk by betting his career on the signing of a relatively unknown rookie, Michael Jordan. The film showcases Vaccaro’s unwavering belief in Jordan and his journey to make the signing a reality. The trailer hints at moments of tension and uncertainty, but it’s clear that Vaccaro’s bet paid off in spades.
The film is rounded out by an all-star cast, including Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, and Viola Davis, who plays Michael Jordan’s mother, Deloris. Despite Ben Affleck’s almost comical take on Nike’s founder Phil Knight, the trailer offers a captivating preview of the talented ensemble. Nonetheless, we’re eager to see how these gifted actors bring the story to life.
It’s worth noting that Michael Jordan himself is not a central character in the film. While there are a few shots of him from the back, the movie focuses primarily on the off-court drama of contract negotiations and shoe design. Yet, the film promises to be a thrilling and witty look at one of the most iconic moments in sneaker history.
Michael Jordan’s partnership with Nike continues to generate massive profits, with the Jordan Brand earning USD$5.1 billion in FY 2022. According to Front Office Sports, Jordan receives 5% of sales earnings, resulting in a USD$256.1 million payout for that year. The deal has brought in USD$19.4 billion for Nike over the past five years, equating to $1 billion in earnings for MJ.
Get ready to take a trip back in time and discover the story behind the legendary partnership between Nike and Michael Jordan. AIR is set to hit theatres on April 5, 2023, so mark your calendars and lace up your favourite kicks for the flick.
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Sam Mangioni
Sam Mangioni is an experienced Staff Writer with an extensive background in digital content production and news. Prior to working for Man of Many, Sam spent three years at Southern Cross Austereo where he served as a Content Producer and News Reporter for the flagship Triple M Breakfast Program. The Sydney-based reporter completed a Bachelor of Commerce from Macquarie University Majoring in Marketing in 2014. A specialist in sport, lifestyle and gear coverage, Sam's work has also featured in Fight News Australia.
