“Kazaam ”Director Responds to “Scary Movie ”Dig at Shaquille O’Neal’s Genie Role

Paul Michael Glaser, the director of the 1996 family film *Kazaam*, recently shared his thoughts regarding a reference to his movie in the new release of *Scary Movie*. At the age of 83, Glaser reflected on how his work continues to resonate, even if not always positively.

In a conversation with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Glaser expressed surprise at the inclusion of a joke about *Kazaam* in *Scary Movie*. The comedic scene features Marlon Wayans’ character, Shorty Meeks, making a quip regarding the film, stating, “I never got over Kazaam,” before an exaggerated scene unfolds involving O’Neal, who played the titular genie. Glaser admitted to having no prior knowledge of the reference, stating, “It’s nice that something you worked on has some resonance.”

Despite this acknowledgment, Glaser’s reaction to the joke was one of mixed feelings. After the joke was explained to him, he observed, “It sounds to me that when they said, ‘I never got over Kazaam,’ and they killed him, that’s because Kazaam was such a terrible movie.” While he recognised the film had its flaws, he firmly disagreed with the notion that *Kazaam* was a failure.

Glaser shared how *Kazaam* came into existence, revealing that a family friend had connected him with Shaquille O’Neal’s management team. He recounted a light-hearted conversation where he suggested, “You know, he ought to play a genie,” almost as a throwaway idea. However, this whimsical suggestion soon turned into a more concrete concept for the film. “I came up with that idea about a genie who lost his power, and through experiencing the caring and love of a good friendship, he rediscovers his power,” Glaser stated. While he still sees the merit in his concept, he admitted that they might not have fully realised its potential during production.

Reflecting on the collaboration with O’Neal, Glaser noted that at the time, the former basketball star was also pursuing a career in rap music. “So I wrote it as a rap musical,” he explained, highlighting O’Neal’s enthusiasm and dedication to the project. Glaser recalled the positive atmosphere on set, describing O’Neal as a “lovely guy and great to work with.”

The legacy of *Kazaam* has been a topic of debate among audiences, with many viewers dismissing it as a cult classic or a notorious misstep in film history. However, Glaser appears to remain proud of the film. He believes that the unique story of a genie learning from friendship is a worthwhile narrative, despite the criticisms that have followed.

In the entertainment industry, perceptions of films often evolve over time, with many productions initially deemed unsuccessful finding a second life through nostalgia or wind up being referenced in contemporary media. Glaser’s reflections on *Kazaam* suggest a deep connection to his work, underscoring the impact that a story can have on both its creator and its audience.

As society continues to engage with films both old and new, Glaser’s perspective on *Kazaam* highlights the complexities of storytelling and its reception. Whether embraced for its heartfelt message or ridiculed for its execution, *Kazaam* remains part of the cinematic landscape that not only shaped Glaser’s career but also entertained a generation.