Is Shaq lastly making his return to the DC Universe? A brand new video to assist promote Superman and the NBA brings the Metal star into playful blows with David Corenswet and director James Gunn.
Whereas David Corenswet is ready to be the face of Superman, it’s clear that James Gunn had a a lot bigger world in thoughts when planning the movie. The forged is completely star-studded, from Isabela Merced and Edi Gathegi taking part in members of the Justice League of America, to Skyler Gisondo and Wendell Pierce rounding out the group on the Day by day Planet. Although it appears as if there’s one hero nonetheless on the point of make their debut within the movie: four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal.
That’s proper, Shaq is lastly headed to the DC Universe. Or no less than…he was. A brand new promo to assist cross promote the NBA and Superman reveals the Huge Shamrock sizing up the enduring Superman go well with alongside David Corenswet, revealing he’s assembly with director James Gunn for a task within the upcoming movie. When James Gunn arrives, he breaks the information that Corenswet will really be taking up the function because the Man of Metal, not Shaq. Upon seeing how good the actor is for the function, Shaq leaves, insisting Gunn ought to have chosen him; however not with no fast jab at Charles Barkley to spherical out the promo!
Shaq was shook when he met the REAL @Superman 😂 pic.twitter.com/ZjebCcbHyu
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 16, 2025
Shaq’s Historical past With Superman And The DC Universe
As insane because it sounds, it wouldn’t be essentially the most out-of-left discipline decide to have Shaq seem in Superman. The NBA all-star really has a historical past with the DC Universe, having performed John Henry Irons, aka Metal, in 1997. Given James Gunn’s historical past with together with odd ball characters and his love for the previous period of DC movies, many followers doubtless wouldn’t bat an eye fixed in the event that they noticed Shaq flying alongside David Corenswet this summer time on the silver display screen.
We had as a lot enjoyable off-camera as we did on. #KazaamForever @SHAQ @corenswet @Superman pic.twitter.com/nfGBJELn7R
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 16, 2025
As for what new function Shaq might play if James Gunn actually wished him within the new DC Universe, there are actually loads of choices for one of many greatest NBA gamers in historical past. Maybe the obvious could be Parasite, particularly given the character has solely turn into extra hulking in current Superman variations. Although other than different huge villains like Mongul, it could possibly be enjoyable to see the inventor of Shaq Fu battle alongside David Corenswet as a hero like Vykin or Bronze Tiger.
Superman is at present scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025. Keep tuned for the newest information relating to the way forward for the DC Universe and ensure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for extra content material!