Shaquille O’Neal: Marvel Turned Me Down for the ‘Avengers’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Home Film News Aug 21, 2026 12:28pm PT Shaquille O’Neal: Marvel Turned Me Down for the ‘Avengers’ (EXCLUSIVE) The NBA legend desperately wanted to join the MCU but the powers that be were not as enthused by the idea. He also really wants to fight The Rock. By Marlow Stern Plus Icon Marlow Stern Chief Correspondent Latest ‘It Ends’: Is Alexander Ullom the Next Great Horror Director? 2 hours ago ‘Our Loves’: Director Avi Nesher on His October 7 Film, Netanyahu and Boycotts Over Israeli Art 6 hours ago ‘Freefall’: A Kennedy Scion Probes the Mysterious Death of a Boeing Whistleblower 2 days ago See All Getty Images Shaquille O’Neal will not be appearing in December’s “Avengers: Doomsday,” or any other “Avengers” film, for that matter. In an interview with Variety about his “Dunkman” league, the first professional dunking league where contestants from around the world compete for a grand prize of $500,000 — whose finals is airing the night of Aug. 25 on TNT — the NBA legend dished on his struggle to land roles in Hollywood where he doesn’t play himself. Related Stories Teona Mitevska, Célina Sciamma and More to Launch Female-Empowerment Initiative Sister Sister at Sarajevo Film Festival (EXCLUSIVE)