Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are teaming up once again.
This time, the combo is coming together for a project that will tell the story of former Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro and Nike co-founder Phil Knight attempting to sign Michael Jordan to an endorsement deal that seemed impossible during the 1980s. The project, which is being finalized by Amazon Studios and Skydance Sports, was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
According to the report, Affleck will direct, star, and produce the drama and portray Knight. Damon will star, write and produce the project and portray Vaccaro.
The film will focus on Vaccaro’s pursuit of Jordan and “an endorsement that seemed impossible at the time but thanks to the maverick sneaker salesman, would become the most significant relationship between an athletic brand and an athlete.”
The project will mark the first time Affleck will direct a feature starring his friend Damon. The two won an Oscar for writing the script for “Good Will Hunting” and reunited in 2021 for “The Last Duel,” where Damon starred and Affleck had a supporting role.
Jordan will not be portrayed in the film, according to THR. He will be included as “a mythic figure hovering above the movie and never seen,” the outlet said.
The historic endorsement deal between Nike and Jordan eventually helped launched the Oregon-based sneaker giant into the powerhouse brand it is today. As arguably the greatest basketball player of all-time who dominated the late 1980s and through the ‘90s, Jordan’s sneakers remain some of the most highly coveted today. The Jordan Brand has continued to re-release classic pairs and make alterations to originals in their collection.
-- Aron Yohannes
ayohannes@oregonian.com; @aronyohannes