NBA great Shaquille O’Neal was on hand for the grand opening of his new movie theater.

Popcorn was already being doled out as Shaq helped cut the ribbon on the state-of-the-art Cityplex 12 which features stadium seating and a special 3-D theater.

The city sold it to Shaq and his development partner after the original theater had gone bankrupt.

Shaq says he hopes it’ll be a place that inspires kids from his native Newark.

“I know for a fact there’s gonna be one child coming here and something’s gonna spark his interest and he’s gonna be the next big timer coming through Newark.”

For the next month, the theater’s offering discounts and promotions to try to ensure its success.  

Shaq was tight-lipped about his other projects – including a stalled condo. But he and his business partner both pledged their continued interest in Newark’s development.