Former boxing heavyweight champ Mike Tyson is making his way to becoming an action star in Algeria.
TMZ reported that the boxing legend plays a role in the Algerian action film "Gates of the Sun". A video trailer was shown of Tyson punching several people. Tyson is reportedly one of the main stars of the movie, where he takes on the role of a goon for hire who beats people for a price.
"Gates of the Sun" will be released on theatres on March 18, 2015. Aside from the boxing champ, the movie will also feature Kung Fu champ Lorie Pester, French-Algerian actor Smain Fairouze, Zakaria Ramdane, and Sofia N. Kouninef.
Based on a report by MikeTysonLive.com, the story is about a supporter of the secret group called OAS or "Organization of the Secret Army" which tried to maintain French Algeria, who transferred to Oran where he established a mafia organization to wage terror throughout the country. A super-secret agent and martial arts expert attempts to protect Algeria by going against the mafia group and destroy it for good.
It is still unknown whether Tyson will be siding with the secret agent or working for the bad guys, however, an IMDB page for the movie indicates that Mike Tyson's role will be as himself.
TwitchFilm reported that a poster for "Gates of the Sun" was released earlier in 2014, showing actor Ramdane, Pester and Tyson. The film was directed and written by Jean-Marc Mineo and the movie was set in Algeria.
"Gates of the Sun" will not be Tyson's first try in acting as he had already appeared in various television shows and movies. He appeared in various TV documentaries featuring his life and career, as well as on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit".
Mike Tyson also appeared in "The Hangover" as the owner of the tiger whom the main characters stole so he threatened to beat them up if they don't give his pet back. Then, he reprised the same role in "The Hangover: Part II" where he was featured at the end of the movie as the wedding singer. He also had a cameo role in "Scary Movie 5" where he complained to Jerry O'Connell about his neck pain and also appeared in "Grudge Match" as himself in the post-credits scene together with former nemesis Evander Holyfield.
Aceshowbiz also reported that Tyson had cameo roles "My Last Chance", "The Cookout 2", "Every Little Step" and "Vernon God Little".