This new XXX sequel is looking like it will be better than expected. While still in pre-production stages, XXX: The Return of Xander Cage has begun casting the lead roles in the movie.
Outside of Samuel L. Jackson and Vin Diesel, XXX: The Return of Xander Cage has just picked up another major action star.
It has just been announced that actor and martial arts star Jet Li will be joining the cast of XXX: The Return of Xander Cage. This seems like an amazing choice for the XXX franchise as there was a lot of focus major action scenes and extreme stunts in the previous two movies.
In addition, martial artist Tony Jaa will be joining the cast as well, according to reports. Tony Jaa was last seen in the hight Fast & The Furious movie, Furious 7. Apparently, Vin Diesel enjoyed working alongside Jaa and has since offered him a major role in Return of Xander Cage.Â
The final cast member announced is Indian movie star Deepika Padukone. While Padukone is new to American audiences, she is one of the most popular stars in the Indian film industry and she will be making her Hollywood debut in the new XXX.
The original XXX was released in 2002 and was a box off hit. The movie featured Vin Diesel as Xander Cage, an extreme athlete with a bad attitude who is recruited by the NSA and becomes a spy. While this might seem crazy, the movie drew big numbers 14 years ago.
A sequel was later made, although Vin Diesel's film schedule made him unable to star in the sequel, making it seem like a completely different movie altogether with Ice Cube as the new lead character. It ended up being a box office bomb and was hated by critics. So, the news of a new XXX movie is a surprise.
The new Return of Xander Cage movie seems pretty straight forward after how big a failure the first sequel was. However, with Vin Diesel and Samuel L. Jackson returning to their 2002 roles, there is some hope. Vin Diesel has been doing rather well as a producer, and has announced his plans for expanding the Riddick franchise. With Riddick having an upcoming TV show and movie coming soon.
We are in a new generation of filmmaking where spinoffs, sequels, and reboots reign surpreme. After the success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Netflix reviving previously finished series like Full House and Gilmore Girls, it looks like Vin Diesel is trying to cash in on this trend.
We will have to wait and see if XXX: Return of Xander Cage is any good. We will keep you updated as production picks up.
