Amazon Studios has announced that Oscar-winning duo Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s forthcoming Nike movie, Air, will be their first film in three years that will be given a wide theatrical release. The movie focuses on the story behind the popular shoe company’s game-changing sneaker deal with a rookie Michael Jordan.
“Ben, Matt and this all-star cast have delivered a fantastic film that will move, inspire, and entertain audiences around the globe,” Head of Amazon and MGM Studios Jennifer Salke said in a statement (via Deadline). “With Ben’s incredible direction, the film delivers a nostalgic look back at a culture-defining moment that absolutely lends itself to a global theatrical event.”
Air is scheduled to arrive in theaters this coming April 5, which will see the film going up against no direct competition. However, it will make its debut in the same month as other high-profile films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Renfield, Evil Dead Rise, Beau is Afraid, and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Affleck added, “Matt and I are very excited for audiences to see Air and proud that it’s the first release from Artists Equity. The movie was an extraordinary experience where we had the honor of working with some of the best cast and crew in the business, all of whom brought passion, persistence, and creativity to a collective effort at recreating a remarkable and aspirational story. I appreciate and value Jen Salke’s faith in our ability to execute on and deliver a movie we are proud of, as well as her and Sue Kroll’s incredible ongoing support of the film. Amazon Studios, Skydance, and Mandalay were all critical to getting this done, and the film couldn’t have been made without them. We value the steps it took on each of their parts to make it happen and want to thank them. This was the best creative and personal experience of our lives and we look forward to many more like it.”
Air will be led by Affleck and Damon as they portray the respective roles of Nike co-founder Phil Knight and sports marketing executive John Paul Vincent “Sonny” Vaccaro. The story will center around the popular shoe company’s game-changing sneaker deal with then-rising NBA star Michael Jordan, which helped bring the brand to its global status today.
The movie will chronicle Vaccaro’s relentless quest to sign Jordan which included meeting the basketball icon’s parents, former coaches, advisors, and friends. “Jordan will be a mythic figure hovering above the movie and never seen, even as Vaccaro tries to reach him by gaining access to those close to him and around him.”
Air is directed by Affleck from a screenplay written by Alex Convery. Joining the Good Will Hunting stars are Jason Bateman as Rob Strasser, Chris Messina as David Falk, Matthew Maher as Peter Moore, Marlon Wayans as George Raveling, Chris Tucker as Howard White, Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan, Gustaf Skarsgård as Horst Dassler, and Julius Tennon as James Jordan.
The project will be produced by Affleck and Damon along with Mandalay Pictures’ Peter Guber and Jason Michael Berman. It is a production by Amazon Studios and Skydance Sports.
