Last summer Fast and the Furious exceeded all expectations and forced industry experts to rethink how to approach franchises. The street racing movie series managed to move into the heist and spy genre, which has given the series new legs. The next franchise that action star Vin Diesel is looking to bring back to life is XXX.
Diesel (Furious 7) will return to the lead role of secret agent Xander Cage, after Ice Cube took over the second installment with underwhelming results. After starring in one of the biggest blockbusters of the year in Furious 7, Diesel’s next lead role in The Last Witch Hunter came and went without fanfare. In the third installment of the XXX series, it seems that they will be surrounding Diesel with a diverse cast straight out of the Fast and Furious mold.
Director D.J. Caruso (Disturbia) has managed to assemble a cast that will attract international attention. Diesel has already announced that UFC fighter Conor McGregor would be stepping out of the ring and into his first major film role. While Samuel L. Jackson (The Hateful Eight) will be coming back to the franchise, as Agent Augustus Eugene Gibbons, where he perfected his Nick Fury routine. However, the latest development may attract eyes from all over.
Martial arts legends Jet Li (Hero) and Tony Jaa (Ong Bak) are said to be the latest actors joining the upcoming sequel. Jaa last appeared in Furious 7 in a small role unfit for his skillset, so it would stand to reason that Diesel brought him aboard the project. Despite being a legend worldwide, Jaa still hasn’t made a name for himself in the states and this may be an even better platform to showcase his talents. Li has been in semi-retirement, since last appearing in The Expendables 3, so his potential involvement is a little more of a surprise. Hopefully it was the lure of facing off against, or with, Jaa that has peaked his curiosity. Also joining the cast is superstar Indian actress Deepika Padukone in an unspecified role, as an ally of Cage.
It seems that the XXX sequel might be more fun than anyone is anticipating. There isn’t a firm release date yet, so keep checking back for the latest. Do you like the additions of Li and Jaa to the franchise? Let us know on , , and ! Support the Point of Geeks by sharing our stories! Just click the icons below!
Source: Slashfilm