Is Shaq finally making his return to the DC Universe? A new video to help promote Superman and the NBA brings the Steel star into playful blows with David Corenswet and director James Gunn.
While David Corenswet is set to be the face of Superman, it’s clear that James Gunn had a much larger world in mind when planning the film. The cast is absolutely star-studded, from Isabela Merced and Edi Gathegi playing members of the Justice League of America, to Skyler Gisondo and Wendell Pierce rounding out the team at the Daily Planet. Though it seems as though there’s one hero still getting ready to make their debut in the film: four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal.
That’s right, Shaq is finally headed to the DC Universe. Or at least…he was. A new promo to help cross promote the NBA and Superman shows the Big Shamrock sizing up the iconic Superman suit alongside David Corenswet, revealing he’s meeting with director James Gunn for a role in the upcoming film. When James Gunn arrives, he breaks the news that Corenswet will actually be taking on the role as the Man of Steel, not Shaq. Upon seeing how perfect the actor is for the role, Shaq leaves, insisting Gunn should have chosen him; but not without a quick jab at Charles Barkley to round 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 History With Superman And The DC Universe
As insane as it sounds, it wouldn’t be the most out-of-left field pick to have Shaq appear in Superman. The NBA all-star actually has a history with the DC Universe, having played John Henry Irons, aka Steel, in 1997. Given James Gunn’s history with including odd ball characters and his love for the old era of DC films, many fans likely wouldn’t bat an eye if they saw Shaq flying alongside David Corenswet this summer on the silver screen.
We had as much fun off-camera as we did on. #KazaamForever @SHAQ @corenswet @Superman pic.twitter.com/nfGBJELn7R
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 16, 2025
As for what new role Shaq could play if James Gunn truly wanted him in the new DC Universe, there are certainly plenty of options for one of the biggest NBA players in history. Perhaps the most obvious would be Parasite, especially given the character has only become more hulking in recent Superman adaptations. Though aside from other massive villains like Mongul, it could be fun to see the inventor of Shaq Fu fight alongside David Corenswet as a hero like Vykin or Bronze Tiger.
Superman is currently scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025. Stay tuned for the latest news regarding the future of the DC Universe and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content!
