Poster · fair use

Air 2023

Movie · 112 min · English · March 18, 2023

Biographical drama Comedy-drama Sports drama

Directed by Ben AffleckWritten by Alex Convery

Starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Matthew Maher

Air is a 2023 American biographical sports comedy-drama film directed by Ben Affleck and written by Alex Convery. The story centers on real events involving the creation of the Air Jordan basketball shoe line, with a Nike employee pursuing a business agreement with emerging star Michael Jordan. Leading roles are played by Matt Damon, Affleck, Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Matthew Maher, Marlon Wayans, Jay Mohr, Julius Tennon, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis.

The film’s development began in April 2022 when Affleck committed to directing, starring, and producing alongside Damon through their new production company Artists Equity. Principal filming occurred from June through July 2022, with Affleck working again with cinematographer Robert Richardson and editor William Goldenberg. Although Jordan did not participate in the production, he met with Affleck and contributed ideas, such as casting Davis as his mother. Initially planned for Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Studios decided to release it in theaters following favorable test screenings, marking the first Amazon film since Late Night (2019) to open in cinemas without a Prime Video debut.

The movie made its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 18, 2023 and opened in U.S. theaters on April 5. Critics responded favorably, and the film earned $90 million globally. It was nominated twice at the 81st Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.