Basketball legend and sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal is taking another step into the entertainment industry with a prominent role in the upcoming third season of Gravesend, as the former Los Angeles Lakers star continues his quest to become the next Dwayne Johnson.
His participation has now been confirmed as a recurring role, portraying a character named Mustafa, but this isn’t the first time O’Neal has been seen working on the show. In September of last year, he was spotted in Rockland County filming scenes for the same production.
And O’Neal’s enthusiasm for the project was evident, leading to his expanded presence in the series as fellow Gravesend actor Paul Borghese praised O’Neal for his generosity and professionalism on set.
“I’ve never met anybody so famous that was so generous with his time,” Borghese said. “Even though he was working, had a lot of responsibility, he was taking pictures with everyone.”
A recent post on X (formerly Twitter) revealed images and footage from the set, confirming O’Neal’s involvement in the Amazon Prime Video crime drama.
“On the set of Gravesend 3,” a crew member posted to X.com, formerly Twitter. “Surrounded by basketball legend and sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal and talented actor Willie DeMeo.
“We are confidently filming a segment inside the New Lots Social Club. The energy is electric, and this shoot is shaping up to be something special.”
Shaq O’Neal’s Hollywood aspirations
Set in 1980s Brooklyn, Gravesend follows Benny Zerletta, played by William DeMeo, as he navigates the challenges of life in an Italian American crime family. The show has gained a dedicated following, and its third season is scheduled to premiere in 2025.
While the ex-Miami Heat ace’s character will debut in the upcoming season, previous installments are currently available for streaming on Prime Video.
The four-time NBA champion’s involvement in Gravesend aligns with his long-standing ambition to establish himself in Hollywood. Though he has made various television appearances and cameos, he envisions a future similar to that of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
“We come from the same place: athletes that transition,” O’Neal told the Associated Press in 2018. “That’s my goal.
“I want similar-type movies. I want to get thrillers. And I want to get dramas. I want to do comedies, I want to be the next Rock. I want to do a thriller where I’m like a hero and beat up all the bad guys.”
