Shaquille O'Neal is interested again in appearing in another superhero film, and this time, it is Marvel's "The Avengers."
Widely considered as one of the greatest NBA players of all time, Shaq specifically voiced interest in fighting Iron Man on screen. "I would love to be in one of the Avengers movies. I would like to kick Robert Downey Jr.'s ass," he told Entertainment Weekly.
The basketball hall of famer definitely has the muscles to take on Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) "genius, billionaire, playboy philanthropist." He is no stranger to superhero films as well, having starred in 1997's "Steel," a movie adaptation based on the DC character of the same name. O'Neal played the role of protagonist John Henry Irons in the film, becoming one of the first African American superheroes in cinema.
Although the film was a dud both critically and financially, he said starring in the "Steel" was an "awesome" opportunity. If given a chance, he even wants to redo it with modern special effects.
Considering Ben Affleck and Ryan Reynold's redemptive comeback to the world of superhero movies, O'Neal's return is a possibility. What is unlikely, though, is finding a part in "Avengers," whose third and fourth installments have already wrapped filming. Even if he does get an offer, fans may not see him appear until after the MCU Phase Three capper.
Not much is known about the MCU after "Avengers 4," but president Kevin Feige has revealed there are already 20 films lined up. If Marvel does not give O'Neal a chance, there is always a hope a studio will give him a shot at a "Kazaam" sequel.
"If one of the studios begs me, then I'll do it," he said.
Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers 4" arrive in theaters without O'Neal this May 4 and on May 3, 2019, respectively.
