Ben “Benito” Affleck Discusses New “Air” Film and his Love for Latino Culture 

Famous Hollywood heartthrob Ben Affleck drops by on Brown Bag Mornings to discuss his newly-released film Air, his love for the MLB, and Latino culture. 

The actor-turned-director played both roles in Air, the origin tale of Basketball legend Michael Jordan’s sneaker deal that would forever change the sneaker industry. Though the story focuses on the corporate perspective of the Air Jordan sneaker story, Affleck admits some inspiration for Viola Davis’ matriarch role came from his wife, Jennifer Lopez, and the emotional commitment to motherhood. 

“I’d love to tell a story that does justice to this work, to motherhood and these moms,” said Affleck.

Though accused of lacking swag before marrying Latina actress and singer JLo, Affleck revealed being featured in a fashion blog thanks to his improved sneaker game. Affleck also spoke about his desire for genuine storytelling through research on sneaker fashion and the impact of the Jordan sneaker deal. 

“That’s why I went to Michael Jordan,” Affleck said. “That’s why I went to the guys in the shoe culture who have been around for a long time. 

An avid Boston Red Sox fan, Affleck compared Boston fans’ passion to the Dodgers fan community and spoke about meeting his baseball heroes as an established Hollywood actor.

“I was like, I really made it,” said Affleck. “These guys [are] my heroes. They know who I am and they want to go out with me.”

Officially baptized as the new Benito by the Brown Bag Mornings crew, Affleck discussed his love of Mexico, novelas, and continued efforts to master Spanish pronunciation. 

Air is now showing in theaters worldwide before it heads to Prime Video.