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Mike Tyson Goes to Algeria To Shoot Action Film

The former heavyweight champion will work with an international movie team in Algeria for a new action film modeled loosely on “Rambo.”

Former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson thinks over a question during an interview at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada March 23, 2012. Tyson has, in his own words, behaved like a "Neanderthal" for much of his life. But next month, he hopes to become a "controlled artist, a disciplined artist" when he takes to a Las Vegas stage to talk about his checkered life as a childhood thief, an ear-biting fighter, an addict and a father of eight. Tyson, who in 1986 became the younge
Former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson thinks over a question during an interview at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, March 23, 2012. — REUTERS/Steve Marcus

Former heavyweight champion of the world Mike Tyson is reportedly heading to Oran, Algeria in September to take part in the country’s first martial arts film, “Algeria Forever.” He will be joining a heavily Algerian cast, including Ahmed Benaissa, Mourad Khan, Bahia Rachedi and Algerian comedian Smaïn.

The action movie, along the lines of "Rambo," tells the story of the Organization of the Secret Army, a group that fought to keep Algeria from gaining independence from France. In this account, however, the group has to go through a secret agent martial artist.

French director Jean-Marc Mineo intentionally picked Oran as his location, and not just because of the film’s topic.

"I find it is a very interesting mix of cultures and an equally beautiful architecture,” he told L’Expression. “Oran suits me perfectly, I want to know the Algeria through this action film."

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