Buzz
Do you recall the 1996 film Kazaam, featuring basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal as a 5000-year-old rapping genie? Marketed as 'slam-dunk fun,' the movie was a box office disaster, earning less than $19 million against its $20 million budget. Critic Gene Siskel even listed it among his least favorite films of the year. Yet, for many '90s kids, Kazaam holds a nostalgic charm, evolving into a cult classic over the years.
Whether you adored it or despised it, you’ve likely pondered how such an eccentric film came to be. The team at /Film shared your curiosity and delved into the story by interviewing the cast and crew, uncovering the origins of a movie so peculiar that Shaq himself later dubbed it 'so bad that it was strange.'
Interestingly, while Kazaam’s blend of hip-hop, heartfelt moments, and Shaq might have appeared as a calculated cash grab (Roger Ebert described it as 'a textbook example of a filmed deal'), the creators were genuinely passionate about bringing the project to life.
The behind-the-scenes tale of the film, as recounted by its director, star, writers, costume designer, and production manager, is unexpectedly poignant. It revolves around director Paul Michael Glaser, who, grieving the recent loss of his wife, poured his heart into crafting a heartfelt genie movie aimed at teaching children about maturity while reviving his own career.
The story also highlights child actor Francis Capra, who faced constant rejection for being 'too urban' or having a 'weird look,' and saw Kazaam as his golden opportunity. Additionally, it features novice writers Christian Ford and Roger Soffer, who anticipated being dismissed daily, and costume designer Hope Hanafin, who dedicated herself to designing authentic 18th-century Middle Eastern attire for Shaq’s hip-hop genie.
"I believe the core concept held immense value, both emotionally and thematically," Soffer reflects. "However, it was deeply tied to Paul’s personal tragedy. His profound connection to the story stemmed from the loss he was enduring, driving his vision for the film."
Discover the complete oral history on /Film.
