Michael Jordan broke through walls as soon as he entered the NBA in 1984. When the Chicago Bulls legend won his first championship back in 1991, he was already in the pinnacle of fame in America and beyond. Subsequently, his fanbase transcended from regular NBA fans to even casual viewers. Hence, when His Airness retired from the sport in 1993, fans didn’t want Jordan to vanish away from sight completely. Some friends of MJ even suggested that the Bulls legend should play the famous character James Bond in a Hollywood movie. A suggestion that MJ immediately shut down, mostly out of his fear of his wife’s reaction.

While sitting down with Larry King post his 1993 retirement, MJ rejected the idea of playing James Bond because his wife wouldn’t like it. Although MJ would go on to act in Hollywood, the famous spy wasn’t his preferred debut.

Michael Jordan once shut down Larry King’s suggestion to play James Bond

The Chicago Bulls legend had multiple retirements throughout his career and his first came back in 1993. Following his first retirement, the Bulls no. 23 decided to sit down with Larry King to talk about his post-retirement life. During the interview on Larry King Live, King asked MJ about his post-retirement plans. Additionally, King also asked if he’d agree to his friend Robert Greene’s suggestions and play James Bond in Hollywood.

“With all the kissing, and women and whatever I have to deal with at home, my wife will go crazy if I do something like that,” explained Jordan. He further added, “I wouldn’t want to do it.“

Jordan was talking about his then-wife Juanita, who wouldn’t be fond of MJ playing the world-famous character. King interrupted and asked whether he’d want to ever act in a film, to which Jordan expressed how he’s never given acting any thought. Looking at the time Jordan didn’t need to think about a different career because he was very secure financially which he further mentioned in the interview.?

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However, a few years later, Jordan did debut in Hollywood and starred in an iconic basketball movie.

Jordan’s acting debut in the 1996 hit film ‘Space Jam’

MJ debuted in Hollywood in 1996 with ‘Space Jam’, a movie where looney tunes characters play ball with His Airness. Jordan played himself in the movie as it became a hit all around the globe. The movie generated over $250 Million worldwide, which led to a sequel 25 years later starring the modern-day great, LeBron James.

What do you think of MJ as James Bond? Let us know in the comments below.

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