Shaquille O'Neal defends 1996 film Kazaam as a cult classic

Shaquille O'Neal has defended his 1996 film ‘Kazaam’, describing it as a cult classic. While the movie received mixed reviews from critics upon release, O'Neal notes that it has gained a dedicated following among the generation that grew up watching it.

O'Neal suggested that much of the negative criticism came from adults, noting that the film was primarily intended for children. The story follows a 12-year-old boy who discovers a magic cassette player and releases a 5,000-year-old genie, played by O'Neal, who helps him fulfill three wishes.

Director Paul Michael Glaser recently shared that the idea for O'Neal to play a genie was somewhat accidental. Originally conceived as a rap musical to support O'Neal's burgeoning music career at the time, Glaser admitted that while the concept was strong, the execution may not have been perfect.