Shaquille O’Neal Responds to People Who Say That 1996’s “Kazaam” Was ‘Terrible’ (Exclusive)

Shaquille O’Neal, the former NBA superstar and cultural icon, has expressed a continued fondness for his 1996 family film, *Kazaam*. Despite garnering mixed reviews over the years, the movie has cemented its place as a cult classic among millennials. In a recent interview, O’Neal shared insights about the film’s reception and his latest venture with General Mills, offering fans an opportunity to showcase their love for cereal.

*Kazaam*, which features O’Neal as a genie who grants wishes to a young boy, has sparked a divided opinion since its release. While many adult viewers deem the film “terrible,” O’Neal argues that such critiques largely miss the mark. “I get about 50/50 reaction to *Kazaam*,” he explained. “Adults say it was terrible, but it was meant for kids. Young adults often approach me and say, ‘Yo man, that was my favourite movie.’ So it’s what you call a cult classic.”

The film’s director, Paul Michael Glaser, recently reflected on the casting process that led to O’Neal’s involvement. He noted a conversation with a family friend in O’Neal’s management team, during which he jokingly suggested that the basketball player should portray a genie. Glaser eventually developed this idea into a script that focused on a genie regaining his power through the discovery of friendship and care.

Glaser admitted that while he believed in the film’s concept, he felt the execution could have been improved. He acknowledged O’Neal’s aspirations as a rap musician at the time, which influenced the genre of the film. “I wrote it as a rap musical,” he said, praising O’Neal as a delight to work with. The film also featured performances from Francis Capra, Ally Walker, and Marshall Manesh, among others.

Fast forward to today, O’Neal is engaging with fans in a different arena as he partners with General Mills in a new initiative aimed at cereal enthusiasts. The “Biggest Fan Contest” invites participants to showcase their admiration for their favourite cereals, with prizes that include exclusive merchandise and experiences tied to General Mills brands like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, and Honey Nut Cheerios.

The contest offers an array of exciting prizes. The grand prize winner will be treated to a lavish trip to Shaq’s Fun House, inclusive of two VIP tickets, $1,000 spending money, and a staggering cash prize of $20,000. Other rewards consist of themed experiences, such as the Lucky Charms “Pot of Gold,” which includes gold bars and tickets to the Fun House, and the Cinnafan Cave, a stylised fan space designed specifically for game days.

O’Neal shared his enthusiasm about the contest, stating, “I’m kind of hyping up cereal fans and helping General Mills find those deserving of being crowned the biggest General Mills cereal fans. I look forward to meeting them and providing a larger-than-life experience.”

Participants can enter the contest until December 31, 2026, at the website BiggestFanContest.com. The top 100 entries will be scrutinised by cereal content creator Ami Moyal, known online as @cereallife, who is celebrated for his passion for cereal culture. Following this, O’Neal will select the ultimate winner, who will be unveiled on National Cereal Day, March 7, 2027.

As O’Neal continues to bridge his past film career with modern promotional ventures, his fondness for *Kazaam* and recognition of its impact on a generation remains evident. Whether one appreciates the film or not, its lasting legacy among millennials is a testament to the diverse range of reactions it has elicited over the years.