The REAL people behind new Michael Jordan film ‘Air’: How Nike dreamt up ultimate sneaker

Directed by Ben Affleck and starring Matt Damon, the new film ‘Air’ tells the story of the origin and rise of the Nike Air Jordan shoe brand.

The film, which will be released in the UK on April 7, follows the story of the groundbreaking partnership between a rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division with its star-studded cast.

The Air Jordan was created for NBA Hall of Famer Jordan during his time with the Chicago Bulls in 1984 and released to the public on April 1, 1985.

In the film, Damon plays sports executive Sonny Vaccaro as he listens to how sales and growth at Nike’s basketball division are trending downward.

Nike founder Phil Knight, played by Affleck, tells Vaccaro to pitch a pitch for a new shoe, which leads him to come up with the idea to formulate a brand around the next player.

At the time, the prospect of signing Jordan seemed far-fetched, but after it was solidified, it changed the culture of coaching and basketball significantly.

Here MailOnline takes a look at the real people the upcoming film is based on.

Ben Affleck stars alongside Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis.

(L-R) Deloris Jordan and Michael Jordan pictured in ‘Superstars And Their Moms’ in 1988. Jordan himself does not appear in the film Air

Air, directed by Ben Affleck, will be released in the UK on April 7

Interestingly, Jordan himself doesn’t appear in the new film, but Viola Davis plays his mother.

Oscar winner Affleck explained: “I thought, ‘The moment I focus the camera on someone and ask the audience to believe that person was Michael Jordan, the whole movie falls apart.

“I want Michael Jordan to have the effect on this story that he had on the world. In a way, it is a presence that is felt and commented on. Everyone around him is there, but you never see his face.

Phil Knight who founded Nike played by Ben Affleck

September 1986. Phil Knight at his Nike office in Beaverton, Oregon.

Phil Knight co-founded and built the Nike Corporation and came up with the logo

Ben Affleck in the official trailer – he also directed the movie

Phil Knight co-founded and built the Nike Corporation and, like the best in business, threw a lot of ideas along the way.

When he decided in 1972 that acquiring Adidas was a business proposition (the German company’s sneakers were expensive and hard to come by in the US), he tried to come up with a lasting name and logo.

It took a long time to steer Knight away from his idea of ​​’Dimension Six’ and it was the company’s co-founder who came up with ‘Nike’, the winged goddess of victory from Greek mythology.

Some tried to talk Knight out of the logo he came up with, or rather, came up with a local art student he met, after he asked her to work on the designs, for a fee of $35 (£ 28).

“It looks like a Puma stripe backwards,” said co-founder Bob Woodell. But Knight insisted on it. I do not love it. But I think it will grow on me,” he said of what would become known around the world as the Nike Swoosh.

And when they put all of that together, Knight decided they needed athlete endorsements, real fast, especially for the new basketball and tennis shoes they were trying to sell.

Sonny Vaccaro, who embarked on the search to sign Michael Jordan, played by Matt Damon

Sonny Vaccaro with Michael Jordan – Sonny embarked on a quest to sign the guard for the Chicago Bulls

Sonny Vaccaro at ‘Air’ Movie Premiere, Los Angeles, California, March 27, 2023

Matt Damon as Sonny Vaccaro in Air: The film shows Vaccaro’s efforts to protect Jordan

Former Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro, played by Matt Damon, embarked on a relentless quest to sign Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan to what was then the fledgling running shoe company in 1984.

The film depicts Vaccaro’s efforts to tattoo Jordan through his family, friends, former coaches and advisers at a time when Nike was the third-selling shoe company.

Vaccaro worked to convince Nike co-founder Knight that it was worth going all in as the company went through a shaky period throughout the 1980s.

Rob Strasser, then Marketing Director, played by Jason Bateman

Rob Strasser, Former Nike Marketing Director

Matthew Maher as Peter Moore, Matt Damon as Sonny Vaccaro and Jason Bateman as Rob Strasser

Former Nike marketing director Rob Strasser has been described as having great knowledge of the brand’s identity.

Nike invited Jordan and his parents to Oregon to hear Strasser’s presentation, where he discussed the company’s winning ad campaigns and building Jordan’s image.

According Portland Monthlythe late Strasser once told his colleagues: ‘If Jordan does what we think he can do, and if we can execute, this can be great.’

Jordan even told him USA Today: “I absolutely fell in love with (Strasser) when he first introduced Jordan, the Air Jordan concept.”

Peter Moore, the company’s first creative director, played by Matthew Mahar

Nike creative director Peter Moore, left, is played by Matthew Mahar (right)

Peter Moore was instrumental in creating the Air Jordan line in the 1980s.

He became the company’s first creative director in 1983 and played a crucial role in the brand’s image.

When Nike signed Jordan, Moore designed the first Air Jordans, as well as the identity of the entire line, according to Complex.

He died on April 29, at the age of 78.

Howard White, Vice President, played by Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker (right) as Howard White (left), vice president of Jordan Brand, in Air

Howard White is Vice President of Jordan Brand and has been with the company for 40 years.

He founded the ‘Believe to Achieve’ program, a traveling seminar designed to encourage youth to believe in themselves and adults to guide them.

Deloris Jordan – Michael’s mother – played by Viola Davis

Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan in Air – Deloris was said to be crucial in the negotiations for her son

Michael Jordan and Deloris Jordan photographed in ‘Superstars And Their Moms’

Michael’s mother, Deloris Jordan, was said to be vital in the start of his branding empire.

Affleck has said that he led by example in instilling the values ​​of ‘know your worth and self-respect and take risks’ in your child.

According yahooDeloris played a significant role in negotiating the terms that have since enriched her son.

George Raveling, director of international basketball for Nike, played by Marlon Wayans

Former basketball coach George Raveling (left) is played by Marlon Wayans (right)

George Raveling, now 85, is a former basketball coach who has worked as Director of International Basketball for Nike.

According reportsit was Raveling who pointed Jordan in the direction of Nike employees Rob Strasser and Peter Moore.

David Falk, Jordan’s former agent, played by Chris Messina

Jordan’s agent David Falk in 1999 (left); He is played by actor Chris Messina (right).

Jordan’s former agent, David Falk, spoke about how Jordan kept a poker face during the Nike launch to keep the company on its toes.

“Jordan doesn’t crack a smile, he looks like he’s about to cry, he looks like he’s about to yell, he’s angry,” he said. Well-informed person.

I’m dying because I know he hates this and will fire me when it’s over.

After the launch, Nike invited the Jordans to dinner, but Falk said Jordan barely said a word the entire time.

After dinner was over, Falk asked Jordan for his opinion.

‘He looks at me and says, ‘Unbelievable. I don’t want to go anywhere else.