COVID Saved Michael Jordan’s Last Dance From Potential Doom, Confesses Director Jason Hehir

The Last Dance” cemented the legacy of Michael Jordan‘s career. With the premiere episodes holding the spot for ESPN’s two most-viewed original content broadcasts since 2004, the series was well-received globally as well. Without mixed reviews or doubts, the documentary was an absolute hit. But could things have turned out differently had it not witnessed a pandemic release? The docuseries’ director Jason Hehir for one believes so.

During his recent appearance on Pablo Torre Finds Out, Hehir stated he could have never imagined such magnitude of success for the series. Notably, the series was previously scheduled to come out in June 2020. Yet, the lack of sports content during the COVID-19 pandemic called for an early release in April. The basketball fraternity binge-watched it just like Jordan hooped around the entire series!

While the NBA 2020 season was still running at full pace until March, the pandemic forced the remaining season to be postponed until July 2020. Thus, as stated by the director, people were way too satisfied when ‘The Last Dance’ was released. The fact people are hooked on the same thing, despite not being a live sport, shows its everlasting impact. We still enjoy the trash-talking competitive spirit of ‘His Airness.’ But it could all have been different!

During his recent podcast appearance, Hehir stated the outcome could have been different had the series been released in an atmosphere where LeBron James would have been actively playing. It’s no secret that Bron has been next in line contender for the GOAT title. And the comparisons between the two often attract debates.

“I think there would have been a lot more vitriol, there would have been a lot more criticism, and people would have been a lot more scrutinizing of a lot of the stuff,” Hehir said of a non-pandemic release. Frankly, this could have turned true as LeBron James was the next most mentioned name on Twitter (now X) after Michael Jordan through the series’ ten-episode run.

P.S. – James did not appear on the TV show! But another Detroit Pistons star surely did!

The Bad Boys became Michael Jordan’s arch-nemesis!

For the ardent followers of the game, Isiah Thomas’ Pistons once used to be the biggest roadblock for Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ path to a championship. Significantly, the instance when Zeke went out without shaking hand after his first loss, just turned the rivalry sour. So his involvement in the series was crucial, and director Jason Hehir followed accordingly. But then why did he not include the Lakers star, who attracted direct comparison with the 6x NBA champ?

During an appearance on the Bill Simmons Podcast, the 47-year-old director stated he deliberately decided to omit the King’s involvement. “Once you open that door, then you have to have that discussion. And I was never interested in having that discussion,” he said.

Also, Jason believed he could predict James’ responses in advance so his inclusion would not have provided additional insights. Interestingly though, ‘The Last Dance’ producer, Andy Thompson, reportedly contacted the King. Per speculations, docuseries based on LeBron James’ journey could be on the cards. There are high chances that the two GOAT contenders will feature together in this one at least.

But whether the series replicates the gigantic success would become something to wait and watch for.

Stay tuned for more such updates. Join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.