Athletes and science fiction may seem like an unlikely pairing but not for Jeeks! Over the years, several professional athletes have made guest appearances in popular sci-fi movies and TV shows. From football players to wrestlers, these athletes have brought their unique talents to the world of science fiction, making for some memorable moments on screen.
One of the most well-known examples of a pro athlete appearing in a sci-fi movie is former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal in the 1997 film "Steel." In the movie, O'Neal played the lead role of John Henry Irons, a weapons designer who becomes a superhero after his designs fall into the wrong hands. While the movie itself received mixed reviews, O'Neal's performance was...interesting. It wasn't bad but it wasn't good either however it remains a notable moment in the intersection of sports and science fiction.
Jim Brown, a former NFL star, also made a memorable appearance in the 1987 science fiction movie "The Running Man." The movie, which is based on a novel by Stephen King, is set in a dystopian future where convicted criminals are forced to participate in a televised game show where they must fight for their lives against deadly opponents.
In the movie, Brown plays a resistance fighter named Fireball who helps the movie's protagonist, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, try to take down the corrupt government that controls the game show. Brown's physicality and athleticism are on full display in his fight scenes, and his performance helped to elevate the action in the movie.
Brown's appearance in "The Running Man" is a testament to his acting ability and his natural athleticism. "First Down Brown" was able to bring his physicality and toughness to the role of Fireball, making him a memorable character in a movie filled with larger-than-life personalities.
In addition to Shaq and Jim Brow, another pro athlete who made a memorable sci fi guest appearance happened in TV. When former NBA star James Worthy appeared in a 1993 episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" titled "Gambit, Part I."
In the episode, "Big Game" James played Koral, a mercenary who is hired by Captain Jean-Luc Picard to help him recover a stolen artifact. While Worthy's appearance was brief, it was a fun nod to his basketball career, as Koral's weapon of choice was a basketball-shaped grenade.
Worthy's appearance on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" was well-received by fans of the show, and it remains a memorable moment in the intersection of sports and science fiction. It's always fun to see unexpected celebrities pop up in our favorite TV shows and movies, and Worthy's appearance on "Star Trek" is no exception.
Lastly we have Mahershala Ali, a two-time Oscar winner and former Saint Mary's shooting guard, who got his sci fi start with the recurring role in the sci-fi TV series "The 4400." The show, which premiered in 2004, tells the story of 4,400 people who mysteriously reappear after being abducted by aliens over the course of several decades. Ali played the role of Richard Tyler, a government agent who is tasked with investigating the 4,400 and their unusual abilities.
Ali's performance in "The 4400" was also highly praised by critics and fans. He brought a sense of gravitas and intensity to the role of Richard Tyler, making him a formidable and complex character. Ali's talent as an actor was evident in every scene he appeared in, and his performance helped to elevate the show to new heights.
In 2016 Ali appeared in the Marvel TV show "Luke Cage." Ali played the role of Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes, a Harlem nightclub owner and crime boss who becomes the primary antagonist of season one.
Ali brought a sense of complexity and nuance to the character of Cottonmouth, making him a more sympathetic figure than many typical comic book villains. Ali's natural charisma and acting ability helped to elevate the show, and his performance helped to establish "Luke Cage" as one of the most popular Marvel TV shows to date. Ali's talent as an actor was evident in every scene he appeared in, and his performance helped to elevate the show to new heights. His appearances in both "Luke Cage" and "The 4400" are a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. He has proven himself capable of playing a wide range of characters, from sympathetic villains to intense government agents. His success in the entertainment industry is well-deserved, and it will be exciting to see what he does next.
It is so cool to have former athletes bring their unique talents and crossover into the world of science fiction, adding a fun twist to some of our favorite stories. Whether it's Shaq as a superhero, Batista as a warrior, or James Worthy as a mercenary, these athletes have proven that they can hold their own in the world of science fiction and entertained Jeeks all over the world. Who knows - maybe we'll see even more athletes pop up in sci-fi, what athlete would you like to see in sci fi?