Spike Lee Returns as Mars Blackmon for Nike’s 50th Anniversary

Nike is honoring its 50th anniversary by bringing back a series of classic ads — and a classic character.

On Sunday, the sportswear giant teased a one-minute commercial on Twitter called “Seen It All” featuring Mars Blackmon — a character played by Spike Lee in his 1986 film “She’s Gotta Have It” and in several Nike ads beginning in the late ‘80s, most famously starring opposite Michael Jordan.

The one-minute commercial emphasizes the brand’s history while also promoting its future stars. 

Lee plays outdoor chess with a young woman, recounting famous sports moments over the years featuring Nike icons Kobe Bryant, USWNT legends Mia Hamm, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe, and runner Steve Prefontaine.

The young woman counters Blackmon with tales of current athletes such as Naomi Osaka, Chloe Kim, and Ja Morant. 

“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” she says to Lee’s character, before beating him in chess.

This appears to be the first of many nostalgic ads that will commemorate Nike’s half-century. Invoking one of its most successful campaigns looks like the perfect way to kick off the celebration.