I wanted to know more about this woman: Viola Davis on playing Michael Jordan's mother in Air

Ben Affleck, the director of the upcoming film Air recently told The Hollywood Reporter that Michael Jordan had one request when Affleck approached him with the story.  “Viola Davis. That’s my mom,” Jordan requested. 

Viola Davis, who did end up playing Jordan's mother Deloris in Air, shoot for the film immediately after completing Woman King. 

Davis told The Hollywood Reporter, “Mothers are the most important figures in anybody’s life, so I was very flattered and deeply moved to be asked to play Michael’s mother.” She added, “I  know Michael Jordan but didn’t know that Deloris brokered this deal to get him a huge stake in the shoe and in turn, protected her son’s legacy. I wanted to know more about this woman who had the strength and courage to fight for her son’s worth. For Deloris to have this insight and progressive vision, to stand her ground in the negotiation room – which I know can be the hardest part of the job – makes her an incredible woman. That made me lean into this project.”

Initially, Deloris' character was minimal in an early version of the script, before Affleck met with Jordan, the former said. But, after  Jordan's input, and Jennifer Lopez's advice, the filmmaker made Deloris the key to the story and expanded the role. 

Apart from Viola Davis as Michael’s mother Deloris Jordan, Air also stars Matt Damon as Sonny Vaccaro and Ben Affleck as Phil Knight. Others part of the cast are Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Matthew Maher, Marlon Wayans, Jay Mohr, Julius Tennon, and Chris Tucker.