Woman King star Viola Davis was drawn to the character of Deloris in Ben Affleck’s new film Air.
The 57-year-old actress who has the utmost respect for mothers was deeply moved when she was asked to play the mother of basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Talk to The Hollywood Reporter Davis said, “Mothers are the most important characters in anyone’s life, so I was very flattered and deeply moved to be asked to play Michael’s mother.”
“I know Michael Jordan, but I had no idea that Deloris brokered this deal to give him a huge stake in the shoe and in turn protect his son’s legacy. I wanted to know more about this woman who had the strength and the courage to fight for the value of her son. For Deloris, having that insight and progressive vision, holding her ground in the negotiating room – which I know can be the hardest part of the job – makes her an incredible woman. This got me thinking about this project.
Davis – whom Affleck named “the best actor I’ve ever seen” at the film’s premiere also said:
“Deloris and my mother were born into a generation of people whose dreams were their children. This is the height of Jim Crow. It’s the height of black people being told that their dreams didn’t matter. So far, having this great vision for his son and believing in it with all his heart is kind of a miracle. It was an honor to play Deloris.
Ben Affleck screened the world premiere of his new film Air at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival in Austin on Saturday. The film chronicles Nike’s creation of the Air Jordan line of shoes.