Viola Davis has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for years, displaying her remarkable talent on both stage and screen. However, she recently shared a surprising revelation that left her with an immense feeling of gratitude and self-worth. The actress spoke about how she was personally chosen by basketball legend Michael Jordan to play his mother in the 1992 sports comedy ‘Air.’ The significance of this opportunity was not lost on Davis, and she recently spoke openly about how it impacted her life in a profound way. In this article, we will delve into the details of Davis’s reaction to this unexpected experience and explore the significance of this momentous casting decision in her illustrious career.
Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis walked the red carpet at the SXSW premiere of new movie “AIR” on Saturday night, telling People that she was “blown away” to learn that basketball legend Michael Jordan wanted her to play his mother, Deloris, in the film. Davis revealed that she researched her role by watching old videos of Deloris, now 81 years old, and admitted to feeling “the fear” of getting the performance right.
Director Ben Affleck, who also stars in the movie, shared how Davis’ casting came about on stage at the premiere: “Michael Jordan is, for those of you who don’t know, the most intimidating, impressive man you’ll ever see in real life. He talked about his mother. … He just said, ‘None of this would have ever happened without my mother doing everything.’ Who would you like to play your mom?’ And he said, ‘It has to be Viola Davis.’”
The film tells the story of the creation of Nike’s iconic Air Jordans and how Jordan’s mother, Deloris, played a critical role in his rise to fame. In a recent interview, Affleck explained that the film is not just about sneakers: “This movie is about what it takes to create something from scratch, to re-imagine, to disrupt the status quo, to innovate… It’s amazing to think that a pair of sneakers could do that, but in many ways, they did.”
Jordan, known to many as the greatest basketball player of all time, has always held a special place in the world of sneaker culture. In the early 1980s, he signed a deal with Nike to launch his own shoe line, and the Air Jordan was born. Over the past four decades, the Air Jordan has become a cultural phenomenon, with collectors and fans around the world eagerly awaiting each new release.
The release of “AIR” comes at a time when sneakers have never been more popular, with many people even choosing to invest in rare and limited-edition shoes as a way of diversifying their portfolios. As reported in a recent Wall Street Journal article, a pair of Nike “Moon Shoe” sneakers sold for $437,500 at auction in 2019, making them the most expensive sneakers ever sold.
Sneaker culture has also become a vehicle for social and political commentary, with brands like Nike using their advertising campaigns to address issues like racism and police brutality. In 2018, Nike launched a controversial ad campaign featuring former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who famously knelt during the national anthem to protest police brutality against people of color.
The campaign led to boycotts of Nike products by some consumers, but it also earned the brand widespread praise for taking a stand on an important social issue. Nike’s decision to stand by Kaepernick, who had been blacklisted by the NFL for his activism, was seen as a bold move that helped to spark a broader conversation about racism and social justice in America.
Given the importance of Michael Jordan’s legacy in the world of sneakers, it’s no surprise that “AIR” has been generating a lot of buzz ahead of its release. With Viola Davis playing an important role in the film, audiences can look forward to a powerful and moving portrayal of a woman who played a critical role in the success of one of the greatest athletes of all time. Whether you’re a fan of sneakers or simply interested in stories of grit, determination, and innovation, “AIR” is sure to be a film that leaves a lasting impression.
Viola Davis’ experience of being personally chosen by Michael Jordan for the role of his mother in ‘Air’ is not only a testament to her immense talent but also to her humility. From her Oscar win in 2017 to her recent statement about this once-in-a-lifetime experience, she remains grounded and grateful for all the opportunities that have come her way. Her journey is an inspiration to aspiring actors and artists around the world. As the world eagerly awaits her next project, we can only imagine what other heights she will reach in the years to come. Thank you for reading about Viola Davis and her exceptional talent.