Many fans of the 1990s comedian Sinbad are certain they remember him starring as a genie in a movie called Shazaam. They recall specific plot details, such as the genie appearing to two children in their living room. However, no such movie was ever made. This confusing collective memory is a prime example of a psychological quirk.
This phenomenon is known as the “Mandela Effect.” It occurs when a large group of people shares the same false memory. The term was coined after many people incorrectly remembered Nelson Mandela dying in prison during the 1980s, rather than in 2013. It highlights how our brains can sometimes “rewrite” history by filling in gaps with logical-seeming information.
Experts suggest several reasons for this specific confusion. Many people likely mix up Sinbad with NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, who played a genie in the 1996 film Kazaam. The similar movie title and the fact that both men were major stars in the mid-90s make it easy for the brain to swap one for the other.
The name “Sinbad” itself is also linked to the legendary fictional sailor who encountered mythical creatures. Additionally, Sinbad once hosted a movie marathon while dressed in an outfit that resembled a genie’s costume. These overlapping images can create a “coherent narrative” in our minds that isn’t actually true.
Modern hoaxes have fueled the fire. Edited photos and “lost footage” created for April Fool’s Day have circulated online, reinforcing the false memories of fans. It serves as a reminder that our memories are often less like a video recording and more like a puzzle assembled from fragmented pieces.