Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are reuniting for the second time. This time for a feature film based on the true story of former Nike executive Sonny Vaccarro. This will be produced by Amazon Studios and Skydance Sports, which are currently finalizing their deal. The untitled sports marketing drama will be directed, written, co-starred in, and produced by Affleck. While Damon will star, write, and produce. Peter Guber and Jason Michael Berman’s banner, Mandalay Pictures, will also produce.
What Role Will Ben Affleck Play In The Film?
In a story about Nike’s longshot effort to sign rising superstar basketball player Michael Jordan to its shoe company in the mid-eighties. Damon will play Vaccarro and Affleck will play Nike co-founder Phil Knight. The story highlights an endorsement that seemed impossible at the time. But, thanks to the maverick sneaker salesman, this would become the most significant relationship. That too between an athletic brand and a sportsman. The deal ushered in the multibillion-dollar contemporary sneaker industry while also assisting the sport in doing so.
What Is The Story’s Main Focus?
Vaccarro’s relentless quest to sign Jordan to what was then the third-best shoe company took him to Jordan’s parents. Particularly his powerful, dynamic mother, as well as former coaches, advisors, and friends. Even as Vaccarro tries to reach Jordan by gaining access to those close to him and around him, Jordan will remain a mythic figure hovering above the film and never seen. The 2015 ESPN 30 for 30 documentary Sole Man, which focused on Vaccaro and his story, is pivotal in the proceedings. Skydance Sports president Jon Weinbach worked on the Jordan series The Last Dance with Mandalay chairman Guber as one of the producers. He was also instrumental in obtaining Vaccaro’s life rights.
The script for the project, which will be the first major feature from David Ellison’s newly formed Skydance Sports division, is currently being rewritten by Affleck and Damon. Skydance already has a sports connection thanks to its investor, RedBird Capital. This will be Affleck’s first time directing a film starring Matt Damon, who has been a long-time friend of his. The two famously won an Oscar for writing the screenplay for Gus van Sant’s film Good Will Hunting, which starred Damon and featured Affleck in a supporting role. Last year, the two reunited for Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel, in which Damon reprised his role as the lead and Affleck played a supporting role.
Also Read: Why Did Jennifer Lopez Skip Ben Affleck’s Movie Premiere?
