• Michael Jordan selected Viola Davis as his mother in ‘Air’.
• The movie aired at the SXSW in Austin.
• It is directed by Ben Affleck.

It came as a surprise to Viola Davis that Michael Jordan personally selected her to play the role of his mother ‘Deloris Jordan’ in the ‘Air‘.

She revealed her astonishment during the premiere of the show at the SXSW in Austin, saying she was “flattered”.

“I’m just hearing about it now,” said Davis as she walked the red carpet with husband and costar Julius Tennon. “So yeah, so it blew my mind. I’m glad I didn’t know about it before.”

Tennon, 69, added: “It’s pretty awesome that he wanted her to play his mom.”

In the movie AIR, Deloris aids in bringing her son’s 1984 Nike contract to fulfillment, resulting in the multibillion-dollar Jordan Brand and his now-iconic signature Air Jordan shoe. Tennon portrays James Jordan Sr., Michael’s deceased father.

Davis conducted research by watching old footage of Deloris, who is now 81, and noticing “the anxiety” of accurately portraying her.

“I use the term zen neutrality with her. Someone who just moves calmly through life, making major decisions, slaying dragons, making dreams come true. But doing it calmly and succinctly. Yeah, that’s not me,” added Davis.

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