Ever since the trailer release of the movie Air, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the hype surrounding it is palpable. Choosing the overlooked side of Michael Jordan’s early career, the movie, directed by Affleck, talks about the Chicago Bulls legends’ famous sneaker deal with Nike. Dishing out several updates about the movie to the fans, Oscar-winner Matt Damon recently spoke about the ugly side of the deal.

In an interview for the famous ‘Dan Patrick Show‘, Damon shared his experience of playing the role of a Nike executive who signed Michael Jordan for the brand, which kick-started one of the most fruitful partnerships in sports history.

Matt Damon reveals the unknown side of the Michael Jordan-Nike deal

A former executive of Nike, Sonny Vaccaro was the main reason why the Air Jordans came out. Vaccaro found the potential in a young Michael Jordan which put him and Nike in front of the other brands. Helping Nike bag the historic deal, Sonny Vaccaro was an unknown star back then. However, Matt Damon, who will play his role in the movie Air, will showcase Vaccaro’s efforts and brilliance. 

Affleck and Damon have been busy promoting the movie lately. Earlier this month, Affleck joined former Celtics star Kendrick Perkins to talk about the movie and its cast. Rush Hour fame Chris Tucker and veteran actress Viola Davis star in the movie alongside the Oscar winners. Though the movie shows the historic and inspiring angle of the deal, Damon shared the ugly side in the interview with Dan Patrick. 

While talking about his conversation with Sonny Vaccaro, Damon mentioned, “I did speak with Sonny…after this whole landmark deal, I mean this completely historic deal happened, these relationships all frayed and fractured.” Damon continued, “People got fired and people left and there was like a sense of betrayal and acrimony and all this stuff” showing the dark side of a good story.

Read more: “That’s Not Going to Happen”: Scared of Making Michael Jordan Feel Invisible, Ben Affleck Got Anxious After Hearing His One Demand

However, with the movie’s focus on the bright side, Damon continued, “What Sonny said was, ‘this time you are making this movie about was the most joyful time.'” Despite all the issues faced, they could now look back at them as water under the bridge.

Sonny Vaccaro opened up about the new movie

The 83-year-old in a recent interview mentioned, “I haven’t seen the movie…One of them happened to be playing me and the world knows who he[Matt Damon] is and it’s a true story…He’s a great actor and a great person…It’s one of the greatest casts ever put together.”

With glowing reviews from critics up to this point, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the movie on the big screen. Considering the success of The Last Dance, this movie may break many records once it’s released.

Watch this story: ” ‘I never heard it from Michael Jordan’: Hurt by the last dance betrayal Isiah Thomas still seeks an apology”

Regardless of the ugly and the bitter side of the real deal, Damon believes the fans are in for a treat. However, only time shall let us know if the movie will live up to the hype.