Kaylah Walton
NBA enthusiasts know that Shaquille O’Neal has a fascination with superheroes. His Superman tattoo and admiration for The Hulk showcase his fondness for legendary figures. However, not many are aware that Shaq also nurtured a secret aspiration to embody a supervillain—and the lengths he’d go to achieve it.
Superheroes influenced Shaq’s formative years, providing an escape from the struggles of his youth. In a chat on The Jordan Harbinger Show, O’Neal shared, “As a kid, my life as a minor delinquent kept me grounded, but I always found solace in watching superheroes on TV, losing myself in their captivating narratives.”
His enthusiasm continued into his adult years. Shaq even realized a childhood ambition by starring in the superhero film, Steel (1997). While it didn’t achieve blockbuster status, it offered the former NBA legend a glimpse into the heroic realm. However, what he attempted recently surpasses a mere cinematic endeavor.
Shaquille O’Neal and the Infinity Gauntlet
In a recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, the basketball legend hosted his close friend, jeweler Adam Mizroeff. Mizroeff, a skilled craftsman, has notably recreated the Infinity Gauntlet from the Marvel Cinematic Universe using genuine gemstones worth an astonishing $25 million.
During their engaging conversation, O’Neal expressed significant interest in the masterpiece. He even made a surprising proposition, inquiring if Mizroeff would accept an outrageous sum for the gauntlet. “Imagine a billionaire collector is tuning into this show, and he’s offering you $300 million… Do you accept? That’s my final offer,” Shaq stated, deadpan.
This kind of offer is remarkable, especially since O’Neal’s estimated wealth is about $500 million. Essentially, the Hall of Famer was prepared to forgo a massive portion of his wealth to possess the Infinity Gauntlet. It raises a curious question—what would he have done with such a remarkable piece?
The Real-Life Infinity Gauntlet
This gauntlet, made by East Coast Gems in collaboration with Marvel Studios, features exquisite replicas of the six infinity stones that grant Thanos his legendary powers. It includes:
- An emerald representing the Time Stone
- A sapphire symbolizing the Space Stone
- A ruby for the Reality Stone
- An amethyst for the Power Stone
- A garnet for the Soul Stone
- A diamond for the Mind Stone
Whether Shaq was serious about his monumental offer or simply joking, his response to the real-life replica was certainly surprising. One can’t help but ponder what Big Aristotle might have sacrificed for the genuine fictional version—and how he would have used it.
Fortunately, we may never have to find out.
