Director Takes ‘Scary Movie’ Jab at Shaq’s ‘Kazaam’ in Stride

When the new Scary Movie reboot took aim at Kazaam, director Paul Michael Glaser didn’t flinch.

Glaser responded calmly to the reboot’s joke about the notorious 1996 fantasy comedy starring basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal as a rapping genie. The gag quickly became one of the film’s most talked-about moments and revived discussion about a movie that has endured decades of ridicule.

Instead of defending Kazaam, Glaser spoke candidly about its shortcomings. He admitted the film never fully realized its creative vision and acknowledged that some production choices could have worked better. His response showed a rare level of honesty from a filmmaker whose work has become a frequent pop-culture punchline.

Kazaam follows a 5,000-year-old genie, played by O’Neal, who emerges from a magical boombox to help a troubled young boy. Despite O’Neal’s popularity in the 1990s, the film struggled with critics and audiences. It failed to earn back its production budget and quickly gained a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most infamous family comedies.

The renewed attention comes as the Scary Movie franchise enjoys a successful comeback. The 2026 reboot reunited original cast members and the Wayans family creators, helping the film deliver the biggest opening weekend in franchise history. True to form, the movie parodies everything from horror classics to modern pop culture, with Kazaam among its latest targets.

Nearly 30 years later, Glaser seems at peace with the film’s unusual legacy. Rather than resist the jokes, he embraces the conversation. For audiences, Kazaam remains proof that even a critical and commercial flop can leave a lasting mark on popular culture.