Mike Tyson, the boxing legend, has booked his next acting role in “Black Flies,” a thriller drama based on Shannon Burke’s novel of the same name.
Tyson’s past cinematic credits include the “Hangover” franchise, in which he played a fictionalised version of himself, and “Ip Man 3.” In the film, directed by Jean-Stephane Sauvaire, he will play the men’s superior commander.
Tyson, who will next be seen in the pan-India feature “Liger,” joins previously confirmed cast members Sean Penn and Tye Sheridan in the project, which centres on life-saving paramedics and the toll their jobs take on them.
Sheridan will play an idealistic young man preparing for medical school who gets a first hand look at things when he drives an ambulance alongside a grizzled veteran (Penn) who is regarded as one of the city’s greatest emergency medics.
“Black Flies” was written by Burke, Ben Mac Brown, and Ryan King. The film is being made by Sculptor Media, Force Majeure, James Masciello’s creative production arm, and Projected Picture Works. In New York City, filming is currently underway.
Tyson is largely considered as one of the best heavyweight fighters of all time, but he has also made a name for himself outside of the ring. The former boxer acquired a remarkable film résumé in recent years, beginning with a notable streak of cameos as himself in films such as Rocky Balboa and the blockbuster comedy The Hangover. The most notable entry is maybe a sequel to the international smash martial arts franchise Ip Man 3 as the antagonist with martial arts icon Donnie Yen. Tyson has since appeared in a number of additional action flicks. Tyson’s entertainment career will undoubtedly benefit from his appearance in a high-profile film such as Black Flies.