-
1. UNKNOWN SCENE
The scene opens with an old TV commercial featuring NBA legends Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, and Larry Bird promoting Converse sneakers, highlighting their achievements while wearing the shoes. The commercial concludes with a tagline before transitioning to a black screen with music playing.
MAGIC JOHNSON, LARRY BIRD, ISAIH THOMAS
-
2. EXT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - DAY
The scene opens by contrasting the modern, luxurious Nike headquarters with its much humbler, almost uninspiring appearance in 1984, as Strasser comments on the year. The camera then moves through the 1984 building, highlighting the prevalence of track and field imagery over more popular sports.
Rob Strasser
-
3. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Rob Strasser, VP of Marketing at Nike, leads a meeting with the Basketball Division to discuss draft picks, revealing they've missed out on top prospects like Jordan. A new character, Sonny, aggressively challenges a team member's suggestion of Melvin Turpin, exposing the lack of genuine scouting.
BILL, Sonny Vaccaro, TIM, Rob Strasser
-
4. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - CAFETERIA - DAY
Sonny and Strasser discuss potential basketball players for Nike's endorsement deal, debating options like Stockton, Barkley, and Jordan, while expressing concerns about the company's precarious position in the basketball market. The scene ends with Sonny revealing he has a secret meeting with "the shoe dog," piquing Strasser's interest.
RICHARD, Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
-
5. INT. PHIL KNIGHT'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Phil Knight and Sonny debate the future of Nike's basketball division, with Phil questioning Sonny's value and Sonny advocating for increased investment despite recent company losses, all while a mysterious skateboarder provides a brief distraction.
Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, SECRETARY
-
6. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - HALLWAY - NIGHT
A janitor cleans the Nike headquarters hallway at night, seemingly alone, but the narrative hints that he might not be.
-
7. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Sonny is in his office, surrounded by mountains of VHS tapes, meticulously reviewing basketball player highlights. After a long session, he packs some tapes and leaves, passing by Nike's framed mission statement.
-
8. INT. GROCERY STORE - NIGHT
Sonny wanders a grocery store at night, looking at old cereal boxes and sneakers, before being told by an employee that the store is closing. He then awkwardly asks the employee if she knows where "Gonzaga" is, which she misunderstands, leaving Sonny feeling tired and old as he sees his reflection.
GROCERY STORE EMPLOYEE, Sonny Vaccaro
-
9. INT./EXT. SONNY'S CAR - NIGHT
Sonny pulls over his car on a suburban street and quickly devours two strawberry shortcake ice cream bars before resuming his drive.
-
10. EXT. VACARRO HOUSEHOLD - NIGHT
A character arrives home, pulls into the driveway, and then meticulously destroys a strawberry shortcake box and disposes of it along with four uneaten bars in the trash.
-
11. INT. VACARRO HOUSEHOLD - SONNY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Sonny is in his office watching two TVs, one with a sports tape and the other with ESPN. A tennis commercial featuring Arthur Ashe catches his attention, but he then returns to the tape, experiencing a moment of profound realization as he watches footage of "JORDAN".
ARTHUR ASHE
-
12. INT. STRASSER'S OFFICE - DAY
Sonny interrupts Strasser's meeting to pitch his radical idea of signing only Michael Jordan to an exclusive shoe deal, rather than multiple players, convincing a skeptical Strasser by highlighting Jordan's unique potential. The scene concludes with Jordan's agent calling, indicating Sonny's bold plan might be gaining traction.
RICH, Sonny Vaccaro, SECRETARY, Rob Strasser
-
13. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - DAY
Sonny rushes into his office, causing papers to fall, and then picks up the phone, anticipating someone on the other line.
-
14. INT. PROSERV AGENCY - DAVID FALK'S OFFICE - DAY
Sonny attempts to secure a meeting with Michael Jordan through his agent, David Falk, but is informed that Jordan is committed to Adidas, though Falk offers Nike a chance to submit a competitive offer to drive up Adidas's price.
Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk
-
15. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - STRASSER'S OFFICE - DAY
Sonny returns to Strasser's office, confirming that they have a strong chance with Jordan despite the high budget, and reveals he is meeting with someone who previously passed on Jordan.
Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
-
16. INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Sonny meets with Stu Inman, General Manager of the Portland Trailblazers, at a restaurant to discuss basketball prospects. Sonny questions Stu about the Trailblazers' decision to pass on Michael Jordan in the draft, while Stu defends their choice based on team needs and Jordan's perceived limitations.
WAITER, Sonny Vaccaro, STU INMAN
-
17. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - HALLWAY - DAY
Sonny arrives at Phil's office for a meeting and is surprised to learn from Phil's secretary that others are already inside.
PHIL'S SECRETARY, Sonny Vaccaro
-
18. INT. PHIL KNIGHT'S OFFICE - DAY
Sonny and Strasser meet with Phil Knight, where Sonny passionately argues for Nike to sign Michael Jordan, ultimately convincing a reluctant Phil to consider the high-stakes investment by betting his career on it.
Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
-
19. EXT. ADIDAS HEADQUARTERS - DAY
The scene describes the imposing, futuristic appearance of the Adidas headquarters in 1984, highlighting its monolithic architecture and the historical artifacts displayed in its museum.
-
20. INT. ADIDAS HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
At a somber meeting of the Adidas braintrust following the founder's death, John O'Neil tries to introduce a new business opportunity centered around 'JORDAN,' which is met with a mixed reception and then interrupted by voice-overs from Phil Knight and Strasser.
Phil Knight, Rob Strasser, JOHN O'NEIL, HORST DASSLER, KATHE DASSLER
-
21. EXT. CONVERSE HEADQUARTERS - DAY
The scene describes the exterior of the Converse Headquarters in North Reading, Massachusetts, detailing its appearance as a refurbished brick factory with the "CONVERSE ALL STAR" logo prominently displayed.
-
22. INT. CONVERSE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
At Converse Headquarters, CEO John O'Neil and VP Joe Dean review their draft board, noting Olajuwon is circled and Bowie is crossed out, leaving Michael Jordan as the next significant name, which they acknowledge with a nod.
-
23. INT. PHIL KNIGHT'S OFFICE - DAY
Phil Knight confirms that everyone is on board and asks if they can get a meeting, which Strasser questions, before the scene cuts to David Falk who flatly refuses.
Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk, Rob Strasser
-
24. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Sonny and David Falk are on the phone, negotiating an offer for Michael; Sonny reveals a 250k offer and tries to get Falk to agree to a meeting, while Falk remains firm but eventually agrees to make some calls.
Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk
-
25. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT
Sonny and Strasser discuss their strategy for recruiting Michael Jordan, with Sonny revealing a 250k offer and his intent to contact Jordan's parents, which Strasser strongly advises against, leading to a broader conversation about their roles at Nike.
Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
-
26. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Sonny repeatedly tries to make a phone call to the Jordan residence in Wilmington, North Carolina, but hangs up before connecting, and the scene ends with a time lapse showing the sunrise over his car.
OPERATOR, Sonny Vaccaro
-
27. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - SONNY'S OFFICE - MORNING
Strasser enters Sonny's office to find him absent, despite his car being in the parking lot. After a brief conversation with the secretary, Strasser hears his own office phone ringing and rushes back to answer it.
SECRETARY, Rob Strasser
-
28. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - STRASSER'S OFFICE - MORNING
Strasser receives an urgent phone call from Sonny, who, from an undisclosed payphone location, informs Strasser that he needs him to delay Phil and that he is going to Carolina.
Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
-
29. INT. PDX TERMINAL - DAY
Sonny, at the airport, has a quick phone call with Strasser, explaining his sudden departure and instructing Strasser to cover for him, before the scene transitions to a title card for Wilmington, North Carolina.
Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
-
30. EXT. WILMINGTON AIRPORT - DAY
Sonny arrives at Wilmington Airport, stepping out into the humid August air and observing his new surroundings.
-
31. EXT. RENTAL CAR PARKING LOT - DAY
Sonny, a walk-up customer, is shown a truly hideous 1984 Toyota minivan by a rental car employee, much to Sonny's dismay and the employee's surprising approval.
Sonny Vaccaro, RENTAL CAR EMPLOYEE
-
32. INT./EXT. - SONNY'S RENTAL CAR - DAY
Sonny drives his minivan on a North Carolina highway, consulting a map and expressing frustration about his location.
Sonny Vaccaro
-
33. INT./EXT. - SONNY'S RENTAL CAR - DAY
Sonny arrives in his rental car at a gravel driveway, hearing cicadas, and looks out at something.
-
34. EXT. JORDAN RESIDENCE - DAY
Sonny Vaccaro arrives unannounced at the Jordan residence to speak with James and Deloris Jordan about endorsing Michael. Despite Deloris' initial resistance and annoyance at his persistence, Sonny's passionate argument about not taking no for an answer convinces her to invite him in.
Deloris Jordan, Sonny Vaccaro, James Jordan
-
35. EXT. JORDAN RESIDENCE - BACKYARD - DAY
Sonny meets with Deloris Jordan in her backyard to discuss Michael Jordan's shoe deal, where he attempts to convince her to consider Nike by predicting the pitches from Converse and Adidas and making his own compelling case.
Sonny Vaccaro, Deloris Jordan
-
36. EXT. CAROLINA HIGHWAY - DAY
Sonny drives along a Carolina highway, observing the landscape, before taking an exit into a suburban neighborhood and parking his car.
-
37. EXT. EMSLEY A. LANEY HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
The scene opens with a view of Emsley A. Laney High School, marked by a sign welcoming visitors and congratulating the '84 seniors.
-
38. INT. EMSLEY A. LANEY HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
Sonny wanders through the hallways of Emsley A. Laney High School, observing the typical school environment, until he hears the sound of basketballs dribbling and heads towards it.
-
39. INT. EMSLEY A. LANEY HIGH SCHOOL - GYM - DAY
Sonny Vacarro from Nike visits Coach Pop Herring at Emsley A. Laney High School's gym, initially being mistaken for a journalist, but eventually secures a brief meeting to discuss Michael.
Sonny Vaccaro, Pop Herring
-
40. INT. EMSLEY A. LANEY HIGH SCHOOL - POP'S OFFICE - DAY
Sonny visits Pop Herring, Michael Jordan's former high school coach, to understand the true story behind Jordan being cut from the team. Pop explains it was for development, not a lack of talent, and then challenges Sonny to admit he's seeking confirmation for his own endeavors, which Pop ultimately validates.
POP, Sonny Vaccaro, Pop Herring
-
41. INT./EXT. RENTAL CAR - EVENING
Sonny drives his van back towards the airport as evening falls, observing the misty woods and the sounds of insect life.
-
42. EXT. RENTAL CAR PARKING LOT - EVENING
Sonny returns the rental van to the parking lot and drops off the keys to the same employee.
-
43. INT. PLANE - NIGHT
On a plane, Sonny interacts with a flight attendant, changing his mind about peanuts and receiving a pair of plastic captain's wings which he pockets before looking out the window.
Sonny Vaccaro, FLIGHT ATTENDANT
-
44. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - MORNING
Sonny is in his office early, waiting for a call from David Falk, who is upset Sonny showed up at Michael Jordan's house. Falk informs Sonny that Michael and his mother will be coming to Beaverton for a meeting, but warns Sonny that Michael is not excited about it.
Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk
-
45. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - HALLWAY - DAY
Strasser arrives at Nike Headquarters, walks down the hall, and notices Sonny's office is empty before opening his own office door.
-
46. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - STRASSER'S OFFICE - DAY
Sonny informs a surprised Strasser that Michael Jordan is coming to Beaverton, requiring them to work through the weekend, and also mentions a plan to get shoes to Pop Herring, despite Strasser's concerns about approval.
Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
-
47. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - ELEVATOR - DAY
Sonny and others enter an elevator at Nike Headquarters, and Sonny presses the 'B' button, causing the elevator to descend multiple floors until the doors open.
-
48. INT. NIKE SHOE LAB - DAY
Sonny and Strasser visit Peter Moore, Nike's lead designer, in his state-of-the-art lab to request a new, beautiful shoe. Peter Moore confidently accepts the challenge to create a shoe that can compete against Converse and Adidas.
Peter Moore, Sonny Vaccaro
-
49. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - SHOE LAB - DESIGN ROOM - DAY
Sonny outlines his innovative vision for athlete-specific shoes, leading to the introduction of eccentric designer Tinker Hatfield, before revealing that the target athlete is Michael Jordan, much to Peter Moore's astonishment.
Peter Moore, Sonny Vaccaro, Tinker Hatfield
-
50. INT. PHIL KNIGHT'S OFFICE - DAY
Sonny intensely debates with Phil Knight, advocating for an unprecedented offer to Michael Jordan that includes a percentage of revenue, despite Phil's philosophical objections and skepticism.
Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro
-
51. EXT. CONVERSE HEADQUARTERS - DAY
David Falk and the Jordan family arrive at Converse Headquarters, where they are greeted by John O'Neil and Joe Dean.
JOHN O'NEIL, David Falk
-
52. INT. CONVERSE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
In a Converse conference room, executives attempt to recruit Michael Jordan by showcasing their current superstar roster, but Michael's parents, Deloris and James Jordan, express concerns about him being overshadowed by established players like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
LARRY BIRD, David Falk, James Jordan, JOE DEAN, JOHN O'NEIL, Deloris Jordan
-
53. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - SHOE LAB - DESIGN ROOM - DAY
In the Nike design lab, Sonny suggests defying NBA rules by adding more red to a shoe design, viewing the potential fines as a marketing opportunity, while Peter Moore finds inspiration for a new design element from Sonny's pilot wings, and Tinker Hatfield reveals his surprising family history.
Peter Moore, Sonny Vaccaro, Tinker Hatfield, Rob Strasser
-
54. EXT. PORTLAND ROAD - DAY
Phil Knight steps out of his house dressed in running gear, stretches, and mentally prepares himself to start his run amidst a light fog.
Phil Knight
-
55. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Sonny and Strasser wander the empty Nike headquarters late at night, discussing the arbitrary nature of the work week and the potential loss of their jobs if their current venture fails. Sonny tries to reassure Strasser about his future while downplaying his own, leading to a philosophical debate about home, security, and career paths.
Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
-
56. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM
Sonny and Strasser discuss the unexpected feelings of success and the nature of work, with Sonny trying to reassure a skeptical Strasser before surprising him with a birthday cupcake, just as Peter Moore arrives to announce they are ready.
Peter Moore, Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
-
57. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - SHOE LAB - DAY
In the Nike shoe lab, Peter Moore unveils the revolutionary Air Jordan 1s, which deeply impress Sonny and Strasser, while Tinker Hatfield offers a poetic description of their design before being caught eating Strasser's birthday cupcake.
Peter Moore, Sonny Vaccaro, Tinker Hatfield, Rob Strasser
-
58. INT. PHIL KNIGHT'S OFFICE - DAY
Phil Knight and Sonny discuss the company's current state and the proposed Michael Jordan shoe line, with Phil confirming the full budget for the line, a decision he made during a run.
Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro
-
59. INT. STRASSER'S OFFICE - DAY
Sonny and Strasser are trying to come up with a title for their new shoe line when Richard interrupts, mistakenly believing they are signing Michael Jordan. After being dismissed, Richard returns with a hypothetical suggestion, "Air Jordan," which immediately resonates with Sonny and Strasser.
RICHARD, Sonny Vaccaro, JOHN FISHER, Rob Strasser
-
60. INT. ADIDAS HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Michael Jordan, Deloris, and James meet with Adidas executives, including Horst Dassler and John Fisher, to discuss a shoe deal, where they consider shoe styles and colors, and Deloris questions who makes the final decisions at Adidas, revealing Kathe Dassler is in charge.
Michael Jordan, JOHN FISHER, HORST DASSLER, Deloris Jordan, KATHE DASSLER
-
61. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT
Sonny, Strasser, Phil, and Pete prepare for their meeting with Michael Jordan, with Sonny outlining strategies for making a strong first impression, including Phil's late arrival and a single shoe design. They also discuss defying NBA color rules for publicity and the appeal of rebellion to teenagers, before Phil and Sonny share a final, philosophical exchange.
Peter Moore, Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
-
62. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Strasser finds Sonny working late, offers him emotional support and reassurance that he doesn't have to be right, before the scene transitions to a new day.
Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
-
63. EXT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Sonny waits outside Nike Headquarters for the Jordan family, who arrive in a limo, and after some initial awkwardness, Michael Jordan makes his grand entrance before they all head inside.
Michael Jordan, Deloris Jordan, Sonny Vaccaro, James Jordan
-
64. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - ENTRANCE - DAY
The Jordan family arrives at Nike Headquarters, where they are welcomed with a Hardee's feast, leading to a brief dialogue about the restaurant's location before Strasser guides them further into the building.
Rob Strasser, Deloris Jordan, James Jordan
-
65. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Sonny Vaccaro, observing Michael Jordan's disinterest in the initial Nike presentation, interrupts the meeting to deliver a powerful, prophetic speech about Jordan's future legacy and how Nike can immortalize him, seemingly swaying the decision in their favor.
Michael Jordan, Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk, Rob Strasser, Peter Moore
-
66. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
In his office at night, Sonny sits at his desk, leans back, and closes his eyes, illuminated by moonlight.
-
67. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - DAY
Sonny receives an angry call from David Falk, who discovered a clause in the contract that allows Nike to void the deal if Jordan doesn't meet certain performance metrics. Falk reveals Adidas is matching their offer, putting pressure on Sonny to find a solution within sixty minutes.
Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk
-
68. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - PHIL'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Sonny confronts Phil Knight about a contract negotiation, urging him to break rules and sign a revised deal that includes a percentage of sales for an athlete, ultimately convincing Phil by reminding him of Nike's own "Break the Rules" commandment.
Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro
-
69. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - DAY
Sonny calls Deloris Jordan, who answers the phone, and Sonny asks if Michael is there.
Sonny Vaccaro, Deloris Jordan
-
70. INT. JORDAN RESIDENCE - KITHCEN - DAY
Sonny calls Michael Jordan, who is initially hesitant about signing with Nike due to contract clauses and injury concerns, but Sonny reassures him by highlighting his talent and the importance of betting on himself.
Sonny Vaccaro, Deloris Jordan, Michael Jordan
-
71. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - DAY
Sonny and David Falk finalize a deal, with Sonny successfully securing a percentage of sales, and they discuss future talent and their ongoing, somewhat contentious, business relationship.
Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk
-
72. INT. PHIL KNIGHT'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Phil Knight and Sonny reflect on their journey with Nike, discussing the company's name and logo, and acknowledging their success while looking forward to future endeavors.
Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
-
73. INT. GROCERY STORE - NIGHT
Sonny returns to the grocery store and sees a box of Wheaties with Michael Jordan on the cover, smiling as he realizes the potential of this moment.
-
74. EXT. VACARRO HOUSEHOLD - EVENING
Sonny attempts to go for a run, struggling to make it even a block, while intercut title cards provide historical financial data and career summaries related to Nike, Air Jordan, and key figures like Sonny, Phil Knight, and Rob Strasser.