Watch Francis Ngannou star as space gladiator in newly released ‘Rebel Moon’ director’s cut

Francis Ngannou is adding to his Hollywood credentials.

This past Friday, Netflix released the director’s cut of its 2023 sci-fi epic film, Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire. The brainchild of director Zach Snyder, Rebel Moon tells the story of a ragtag group of adventurers combating an evil space empire, and much of part one of the series shows the protagonists gathering their party.

One such scene was to involve Ngannou in a speaking part, but it apparently hit the cutting room floor before the original version’s release. In this new cut, Ngannou has a more significant role.

Watch Ngannou’s cameo below.

Ngannou is initially mistaken for a general the heroes are searching for, but he informs them that the man they want, Titus (played by Djimon Hounsou), has fallen on hard times. His space gladiator character then tells them where Titus can be found.

This isn’t the first major movie role for the PFL star. Ngannou made his movie debut in 2021’s F9 (a film that grossed over $700 million worldwide), getting in the mix as a heavy that opposes the Fast and Furious crew during the film’s climactic close.

He also appeared in 2022’s Jackass Forever, where his prodigious punching power was used to hilarious effect by the infamous prank squad.

Ngannou most recently fought this past March in a high-profile boxing bout with British heavyweight star Anthony Joshua. Joshua defeated Ngannou via second-round knockout.

The former UFC champion has been on hiatus as he and his family mourn the tragic passing of his young son, Kobe. On Wednesday, PFL announced Ngannou is set to fight 2023 heavyweight tournament champion Renan Ferreira on Oct. 19.