Damian Young, who plays Michael Jordan in 'Air', is barely seen in Ben Affleck movie

Ben Affleck's movie "Air," about how Nike signed Michael Jordan, is set to hit theaters and premiere on Prime Video on Apr. 5. Jordan will be played in the movi bue Damian Young, who has only two acting credits before the role.

As seen in the trailers, the young MJ won't be making a lot of appearances in the movie. His mother, played by Viola Davis, will have a more central role. It's also hinted that Jordan's face might not get any air time during the entire film.

In the video below, Jordan makes a brief appearance as he walks into one of the offices at Nike's headquarters in Oregon. He can also be seen holding the iconic Air Jordan 1 sneakers.

So, why is Michael Jordan barely present in the movie? Well, "Air" director and actor Ben Affleck revealed the reason in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning. Affleck explained that the Chicago Bulls legend is too iconic and legendary to include in his film.

"Jordan is too big," Affleck said. "He exists above and around the story, but if you ever concretize him, if you ever say, 'Yes, that's Michael Jordan,' we know it's not, really. It's fake. If the audience brought everything they thought and remembered about him and what he meant to them to the movie and projected it onto the movie, it worked better."

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Michael Jordan's wanted Viola Davis to play his mother

Michael Jordan's mother, Deloris (left), and Viola Davis.

Ben Affleck consulted with Michael Jordan before deciding to direct "Air." Affleck told Variety that Jordan didn't have a lot of demands but wanted Viola Davis to portray his mother, Deloris.

"I got the script and then had the chance again to talk to Michael," Affleck said. "Michael Jordan, for those of you who don't know, is one of the most intimidating, impressive men you'll ever see in your life. He told me about is father and then he talked about his mother.

"It was the first time I saw this look cross his face. It was a look of reverence, of awe, of love and gratitude, and innocence. He said, 'None of this would have ever happened without my mother.' I said, 'Who would you like to play your mom?' He said, 'Well, it has to be Viola Davis.'"

Davis was cast as Deloris, while MJ's father, James R. Jordan will be played by Julius Tennon, Davis' real life husband. Other cast members for "Air" include Matt Damon, Patrick Bateman, Chris Tucker, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina and Matthew Maher.

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