Since starring in the 1997 film, Good Will Hunting co-stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have worked together closely on and off screen for decades. But in the upcoming Nike film Air, Matt Damon officially checked off being directed by Ben Affleck.
The Batman actor is directing and starring in Air beside The Martian actor; both appreciate this chance to work together again, but with Affleck also taking the director’s seat. In an interview with IndieWire, the two shared their feelings about this event, and you can read their full comments below:
Well, it might seem like the first time he’s directed me. I mean, we did high school plays where he was like, ‘Dude, I think you should do it like this.’ He’s been directing me for like forty-something years. Honestly, it was kind of a natural progression. We’ve written a bunch of movies and produced and acted together for so many years and decades, so it didn’t feel any different working this way.
Matt Damon
We’ve gotten that question a lot; I keep thinking, ‘Should it have felt different?’ Because it felt exactly the same. And what was really wonderful about it was, I love and trust Matt so much, and it was so lovely to be working together; it was kind of like a feeling of, I want the other actors to feel [this too].
Like, ‘Come on, it’s all good, I love actors, I love you, you’re going to be OK, everyone, take as much time as you want, do what you need to do and be respected, and to kind of project that energy.’
Ben Affleck
The two actors have starred in various films like Dogma, The Last Duel, Gone Baby Gone, and more, but Air marks the first time Ben has officially stepped into the director’s shoes in their professional relationship.
Their easy chemistry and camaraderie, mixed with years of trust and friendship, seems to be reflected in Air since the trailer definitely shows a good connection between the two. The film follows Nike shoe salesman Sonny (Damon) when he pitches his idea to Phil (Affleck) to sign on up-and-coming basketball legend Michael Jordan to boost sales.
Air will premiere in theaters worldwide on April 5, 2023.
About Air
Air is a 2023 American biographical sports drama film directed by Ben Affleck and written by Alex Convery. The film stars Matt Damon, Affleck, Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Marlon Wayans, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis.
Its plot chronicles the origin of the Air Jordan shoe line; a Nike, Inc. employee seeks to strike a business deal with rookie basketball player Michael Jordan.
Air premiered at South by Southwest on March 18, 2023. It is scheduled to be released in the United States on April 5, 2023, by Amazon Studios, marking it as the first film Amazon released in theaters without simultaneously premiering on Prime Video.
Source: Indie Wire
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