Retired boxer Mike Tyson is poised to become a big action star in North Africa after landing a movie role as a big screen gangster.

The former sportsman, who has made appearances in The Hangover films and Scary Movie 5, will star in upcoming Algerian movie Gates of the Sun, in which he'll portray a tough guy-for-hire alongside former kung fu champ Lorie Pester and local actor Smain.

Gates of the Sun is due for release in March (15).