Shaquille O'Neal, the NBA Hall of Famer and entrepreneur, is developing a comic book series centered on the historical figure Black Caesar, a legendary Black pirate. The project, announced in early 2026, aims to highlight an often-overlooked part of pirate history.
Black Caesar was a former African chief who was captured by slave traders but later escaped and became a feared pirate in the Caribbean during the early 18th century. He was known for his strength and cunning, and was reportedly a close associate of the infamous pirate Blackbeard.
O'Neal, through his Jersey Legends production company, is collaborating with comic book writers and artists to bring this story to life. The series is expected to be published later in 2026, with O'Neal serving as executive producer. No specific release date or publisher has been confirmed as of June 2026.
The project is part of a broader trend in media to explore diverse historical narratives. O'Neal has previously expressed interest in telling stories that inspire and educate, particularly those that highlight African American history and achievement.