SHAQUILLE O'NEAL is "stepping up his Hollywood game in a big way," starting with a "co-starring role in the Lionsgate comedy 'UNCLE DREW,' which opens June 29," according to Tatiana Siegel of the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. His slate also includes the Facebook Watch reality show "BIG CHICKEN," which is "named after and chronicling the opening of his first restaurant chain, which specializes in fried chicken sandwiches and will launch in Las Vegas in mid-October." There is also an "animated show for Universal Kids Network based on his inspirational Little Shaq book series" and "two scripted TBS comedies, one of which will co-star KEN JEONG." Turner approached the two about "collaborating after their well-received duel on TBS’ rap battle series 'DROP THE MIC'" in April. Those projects "come on the heels of a busy spring," as O’Neal launched "SHAQUILLE O'NEAL PRESENTS: ALL STAR COMEDY JAM: I'M STILL LAUGHING" on Showtime in March and voiced a role in the animated kids film "SHOW DOGS" in May. O'Neal: "Who am I to say no to Hollywood?" O’Neal’s slate "coincides with a broader phenomenon of hoops stars ... making significant forays into film and TV," including STEPHEN CURRY, KOBE BRYANT, LEBRON JAMES and KEVIN DURANT. But O’Neal "might be uniquely poised among current and former sports superstars given his broad appeal that bridges red state and blue state sensibilities." O'Neal's Q Score remains "better than the top five current NBA players -- James, GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO, JAMES HARDEN, Curry and Durant. Among all retired athletes, only MICHAEL JORDAN "enjoys a higher Q score." O'Neal currently "does spots for Reebok, JCPenney, Krispy Kreme, Gold Bond and Icy Hot" and was recently "shooting a commercial for Ring Home Security" (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 6/21).
