The Last Dance

How Jason Hehir Cracked the Code on Michael Jordan’s Trust for The Last Dance

The Last Dance (2020) didn’t just chronicle Michael Jordan’s final championship run with the Chicago Bulls—it rewrote the playbook for sports documentaries. Director Jason Hehir’s behind-the-scenes access to Jordan and the team’s inner circle was unprecedented, but earning that trust wasn’t easy. latestnetflix.com's read is that here’s how Hehir pulled it off, and the challenges he faced along the way.

The Jordan Trust Factor

Michael Jordan is notoriously guarded, but Hehir’s approach broke through. The director’s strategy hinged on patience and persistence. In interviews, Hehir revealed that Jordan initially resisted participating, wary of how the series would portray him . The turning point? Hehir’s willingness to let Jordan control the narrative—at least partially. He allowed Jordan to review raw footage, a rare concession in documentary filmmaking, which helped ease the basketball legend’s concerns . This move wasn’t just about access; it was about ensuring Jordan felt the story aligned with his legacy.

Hehir also leaned on Jordan’s competitive nature. He framed the project as a chance to cement Jordan’s place in history—not just as a player, but as a cultural icon. The director’s pitch? The Last Dance wasn’t just about the Bulls’ 1997-98 season; it was about Jordan’s entire career, including his rivalry with the Detroit Pistons, his first retirement, and his brief stint in baseball . That broader scope appealed to Jordan’s desire to be remembered as more than just a champion.

The Phil Jackson Interview: A Delicate Balance

Phil Jackson, the Bulls’ coach during their six championship runs, was another key figure—and another challenge. Jackson’s interviews were candid, but Hehir had to navigate the coach’s philosophical, sometimes cryptic, style. In one behind-the-scenes discussion, Hehir admitted that Jackson’s Zen-like demeanor made it tough to pin down concrete answers . The director’s solution? Focus on Jackson’s relationship with Jordan, which provided the emotional core of the series.

Jackson’s insights into Jordan’s leadership—like his infamous "shut up and play" mentality—became some of the documentary’s most quoted moments. But Hehir also had to balance Jackson’s perspective with those of other players, like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, to avoid a one-sided narrative . The result was a nuanced portrayal of the Bulls’ dynasty, warts and all.

Criticism and Pushback

Not everyone was happy with The Last Dance. Some former Bulls players and staff criticized the series for glorifying Jordan at the expense of others, particularly Pippen, whose contract disputes and contributions were downplayed . Hehir addressed these concerns in interviews, acknowledging that the documentary was Jordan’s story first and foremost. "This was always Michael’s project," Hehir said, defending the focus on Jordan’s perspective .

The director also faced scrutiny over the series’ timing. Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Last Dance was accused of being a calculated distraction by ESPN. Hehir dismissed those claims, insisting the project was years in the making and not a reaction to current events . Still, the timing undeniably amplified its cultural impact, turning it into a must-watch event.

The Kobe Bryant Connection

One of the most poignant moments in The Last Dance came from an unexpected source: Kobe Bryant. Hehir revealed that Bryant, a longtime admirer of Jordan, was interviewed for the series but didn’t make the final cut . The director described Bryant’s insights as "invaluable," particularly his take on Jordan’s influence on his own career . Tragically, Bryant’s untimely death in January 2020 meant his interview footage became a bittersweet footnote to the project.

Hehir’s decision to exclude Bryant’s interview was practical—there simply wasn’t room to include every perspective—but it also highlighted the documentary’s focus on the Bulls’ 1997-98 season. Still, the director’s comments suggest Bryant’s input shaped how Jordan’s legacy was framed, even if indirectly .

**Why The Last Dance Still Resonates**

The Last Dance wasn’t just a sports documentary; it was a masterclass in storytelling. Hehir’s ability to secure Jordan’s trust, navigate the egos of the Bulls’ dynasty, and deliver a gripping narrative set a new standard for the genre. The series’ success—garnering an Emmy and widespread acclaim—proved that sports stories could be as compelling as any drama .

But its legacy isn’t just about awards. The Last Dance gave fans an unfiltered look at one of the greatest athletes of all time, warts and all. Jordan’s intensity, Pippen’s loyalty, Rodman’s antics, and Jackson’s wisdom all played out on screen, creating a portrait of a team—and an era—that may never be replicated.