(Image Source: Pinterest, Marvel Studios)
It's not uncommon for sports stars to venture into acting, and former NBA player Shaquille O'Neal is a prime example. He's made cameos in the "Scary Movie" franchise, appeared in the "Grown Ups" series, and even starred in his own film, "Kazaam." However, even a celebrity as renowned as O'Neal can face rejection in Hollywood. In a recent interview with Variety magazine, he shared an amusing anecdote about his unsuccessful attempt to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
(Image Source: Pinterest)
O'Neal first expressed his desire to take on more acting roles, lamenting that his imposing physique often limits him. "I really want to do more action movies, but Hollywood executives tell me I'm too big," he explained. "What they mean is, whenever I appear on the big screen, everyone's reaction is just going to be: 'Oh, that's Shaquille O'Neal!' So, if I try to play a doctor or a similar character, my image makes it hard for audiences to believe."
(Image Source: Los Angeles Times)
O'Neal then revealed that Marvel Studios was among those who turned him down. "I really wanted to be in 'The Avengers'," he stated. "But they told me: 'Shaq, we love you, and we'd really like to have you, but if your face is on the big screen, people will definitely just think: 'Hey, that's Shaq!'' He was telling the truth, so at the time, I thought: 'Okay... it seems my face is indeed too recognizable.'"
While joining Marvel didn't pan out, O'Neal still harbors other Hollywood aspirations. "I want to make a movie with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, so I can get a chance to beat him up," he declared. "It would be a piece of cake for me to win, too easy."
via： Variety