Michael Jordan was so popular in the 1980s that he was sued because a director, dubbed the “Next Steven Spielberg”, failed to launch thanks to him! Yes, Jordan’s refusal to star in a movie led to a bizarre $16,000,000 lawsuit being filed against him.
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What a story! And what’s more shocking is that MJ instead filed a countersuit and won $50,000! Talk about a roller coaster ride.
In a story that spans over a decade, Michael Jordan’s influence on this documentary was so big that not only did the movie take years to make but it’s rise and fall encapsulated MJ’s entire career!
Heaven In A Playground is a documentary film that was released in 1991. It detailed a basketball story and Jordan was supposed to be the star. However, thanks to a huge delay in the start of the project and its completion, things went…. a little haywire.
Michael Jordan was sued by filmmakers and the “Next Steven Spielberg” for $16,000,000
The story goes, that the film was in development from the early 1980s and had signed Michael Jordan for a role. The film was supposed to start in 1986 but due to a lack of financing, it began in 1990.
At the time, MJ had already risen to new highs and he was an international sports icon. He withdrew from the project. He did, however, make a cameo in the movie but he wasn’t playing an important role.
The film didn’t do too well at the box office and the filmmakers and director Randall Fried were disgruntled by MJ’s absence. They felt that with Jordan the film would have done well. So, out of fury, they filed a lawsuit against MJ for a whopping $16,000,000 in 1998.
They cited breach of contract and the attorney even argued that Fried would have been the “Next Steven Spielberg”. But MJ was found to be not liable and instead in a countersuit, he won $50,000.
Michael Jordan’s appearance in the movie
Michael Jordan had a small but memorable role in Heaven Is a Playground. The movie followed the lives of high school basketball players in Brooklyn, New York. In the film, Jordan is seen playing pickup basketball with kids. He offers them tips and advice on their game.
His appearance in the film was significant because it showcased his love for the game and his willingness to mentor young players. At the time, Jordan was at the height of his fame and success in the NBA, but he still took the time to connect with the next generation of basketball players and inspire them to work hard and follow their dreams.
The film also gave fans a glimpse into Jordan’s personality off the court and highlighted his humble and generous spirit. Despite the merits and even Jordan’s appearance, the film bombed at the box office.
And the rest we know is history.
