Michael Jordan Only Approved Air With Viola Davis

Ben Affleck says Michael Jordan made one clear demand before signing off on Air: Viola Davis had to play his mother. Affleck told ALL THE SMOKE that Jordan “can only tell you what I was there for” and that he wanted a serious, respectful portrayal, saying “Viola Davis has gotta play my mom.” The film cast Davis and won Jordan’s blessing before its 2023 release, a small but telling detail about who controls the narrative. Merlin sees a keeper of his own story. Jordan’s insistence reads like a shield for the emotional center of his legend, and it taught filmmakers a simple rule: honor the family and you may earn the seal of approval. Filmmakers and stars take note; some figures guard their past with a force as fierce as their play.