Season 3 of Gravesend is getting bigger and better. Before the premiere date is set, one of the newest jaw-dropping additions to the cast has given the first glimpse into their character. Shaquille O’Neal was cast a year ago and it was confirmed to not be another rumor in Shaq-lore when he was spotted filming for the show a month ago. It’s double confirmation now that we see the big man’s TV character. Far from his days as Kazaam or cameos in Adam Sandler flicks, this is the most intensely brooding personality he’s ever depicted in front of the camera.

The official Gravesend page and Shaq shared a still from season 3 that’s still filming. “Don’t mess with Mustafa,” it reads, indicating that’s Shaq’s character’s name. Dressed in an all-black ensemble, complete with a leather jacket, black beret, and gold chain, he looks like he’s ready to hit the stage as DJ Diesel at a festival. But that’s far from the persona he’s portraying.

In June 2024, Shaq’s return to acting (barring his multiple cameo roles over the years) was confirmed when he was spotted filming at a Coney Island auto shop. He was seen alongside Gravesend creator and star, William DeMeo who portrays Benny Zerletta, and Joseph D’Onofrio. Rappers Peter Gunz and Maino were also on the set since being added to the cast.

The Brooklyn-based mob show set in the ’60s follows Benny’s moral dilemma between his father’s religious morals and being a cog in a mafia machine. Which side Shaq’s morally grey character falls on is unclear. But it is revealed that Mustafa is a powerful gangster running the show at Bed-Stuy. According to reports, O’Neal’s fictional gang has added NFL linebacker, James Harrison to the cast.

The early revelation of his character has left his fans stunned. Apart from being flooded with fire emojis, fans are hoping this is more than just a cameo role because O’Neal’s looking like a much intense actor than he ever has. Behind the scenes was a different story though.

Shaq went from viewer to star

O’Neal has an inclination for crime dramas. Other than showing he kept up with the British series, Top Boy, he was fanboying over Gravesend until last year. It was the Shaq-approved entertainment he recommended on X with a glowing review, “hottest show on Amazon Prime Gravesend Series. wow, most authentic gangster show I ve show I’ve seen since Sopranos #Gravesendseries @WilliamDeMeo.”

From a fan to starring in the show, Shaq really does everything! When Shaq was not in character, he was his usual self. He was seen strutting around in his Superman pants and signing autographs. During one scene on a rooftop, he caused a crowd to gather, screaming for him and honking their cars for his attention.

It will be a bit of a wait to see Shaq’s major acting comeback. The season 3 premiere is yet to be announced. But you can still watch Shaq’s favorite new series on Amazon Prime.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.