Did you know that Shaquille O’Neal, who was once the deadliest center in the league, turned down a movie that went on to be nominated for an Oscar? Yes, it is as shocking as it sounds. The 49-year-old has been hugely successful in the NBA, and has taken up a career in business and entrepreneurship ever since his retirement. Yet, a film career is something we never thought we’d see Shaq excelling in. As he admitted himself, the Lakers legend once rejected a major movie alongside Hollywood icon Tom Hanks.

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The personality of Shaquille O’Neal makes it hard for one not to be intrigued by him. A powerhouse of a player during his day, he was once the highest ever signing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Playing along with the likes of Kobe Bryant, Shaq won 4 NBA titles in his illustrious career. Every now and then, the 15-time All-star posts some hilarious videos of himself, and is an active analyst. Thus, he is no stranger to the cameras. Though he seems well cut out for the role of a lead actor, it wasn’t meant to be.

Shaquille O’Neal once passed up an acting opportunity in an eventual Oscar nominee

In his two decade long career, Shaquille O’Neal averaged close to 24 points. In addition, he was a defensive beast. But back in 1999, the hit film Green Mile sent fans into a frenzy. It was a brilliant movie that starred Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan. It revolves around prisoner John Coffey, played by Duncan. However, the role was initially offered to Shaq, but he turned down the golden opportunity.

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The movie, which turned out to be a critically acclaimed sensation, eventually got nominated for an Oscar. Many years later, O’Neal admitted that he was offered the role, but believed that Michael Clarke Duncan did a better job. “Michael Clarke Duncan did an excellent job, so I think I made the right decision because he did way better than I could have done. But I got offered that role,” he claimed. Shaq didn’t want to play such a role back then for personal reasons. It went on to make the nominations in as many as four Academy award categories.

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Shaq would’ve surely done a brilliant job in Green Mile. But as the saying goes, things eventually happen as they are meant to be. Have you watched Green Mile? What did you think of the movie?