The last time Jason Bateman and Ben Affleck worked together was over a decade ago in a comedy film, Extract. This was before Jason Bateman took on his career-defining character, Marty Byrde, and Ben Affleck became a household name with Gone Girl and an Internet meme after the Batman movies. Therefore, the news of their recent collaboration naturally had everyone’s attention. Affleck is once again venturing into directing after earning an Oscar nomination the last time he took on the role.

The actor roped in his long-time friend, Jason Bateman, along with Matt Damon to recount the intriguing, dramatic, and heartwarming tale of the first Nike Air Jordans. While the movie is raking in good reviews, it seems like Jason Bateman may not be willing to work with Ben Affleck again.

Why was Jason Bateman frustrated after AIR filming?

One of the greatest benefits of two offscreen Hollywood best friends collaborating on a project is the anecdotes that come with it. This is especially the case for AIR, owing to Bateman’s knack for comedy. The Ozark actor recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel’s Live where he candidly reflected on working with Affleck. And his take was nothing like that of the Gone Girl actor. However, Bateman has a very good reason for it.

While discussing how directors gift the cast something that reminds them of the project, like Bateman did for the Ozark team, he exasperatedly describes how Affleck did not get them Nikes even though he could have easily gotten them free of cost.

Bateman further adds, “Ben could have gone to Nike for free and gotten everybody a pair of Jordans“. Instead, he got everybody “nothing” but a pack of “pirate booty“.

The conversation gets even more hilarious when Bateman compares it to how he got everyone a pair of customized Converse on the set of Ozark from his own pocket.

Why can Ben Affleck get free Nikes?

As Affleck, who has long been one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, takes on the seat of a director, it opens the way for many interesting and out-of-the-box projects. However, the gift he is bringing to Hollywood is not why one of the greatest shoe companies of all time is granting him a free pass.

By making a movie on how Nike got a hold of Michael Jordan and went on to make the best-selling sneakers, Affleck basically created an hour-long commercial for them. Something that Nike must be undoubtedly grateful about. Although there has been no official announcement, Bateman confirmed it.

Would you prefer a packet of pirate booties over Nike shoes? Let us know in the comments below.