Hawaii native Kaiwi Lyman-Mersereau, a 2002 graduate of Mid-Pacific Institute, plays a major role in “Den of Thieves,” a major motion picture about a bank robbery, directed by Christian Gudegast and scheduled for release in January.

“It’s an ensemble piece, and I’m thrilled to be in it and playing one of the main characters, Tony Z. (Zapata), a police officer,” Lyman-Mersereau said by phone from Los Angeles, where he lives with his wife and young son.

The film also stars Gerard Butler, 50 Cent, Maurice Compte and Pablo Schreiber. Max Holloway, a champion UFC fighter from Waianae, makes his acting debut as a bank robber.

“Christian is phenomenal to work with. He has such a clear vision, and put together a really good team,” said Lyman-Mersereau, who plays Gutterball in the FX show “American Horror Story.”