XXX: The Return of Xander Cageis gearing up to shoot soon, and two more big names have joined the cast. TwitchFilm reports thatVin Dieselwill be re-teaming with hisFurious 7costarTony Jaa. This international action superstar is not the only force to be reckoned with in the anticipated sequel. The legendaryJet Lihas signed on as well.
No character details for eitherTony JaaorJet Lihave been revealed, and it isn’t known if they are playing good guys or villains. Back in December,Vin Dieselhimself announced thatSamuel L. Jacksonwill be resuming his role as Gibbons. Another new cast member added to the mix is current UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor.
Last month, it was rumored thatBollywoodsuperstar Deepika Padukone had joinedXXX: The Return of Xander Cageas its leading lady. That news has now been officially confirmed, and she will be siding with Xander and the good guys.Vin Dieselreportedly wanted the actress to co-star inFurious 7, which would have marked her American debut. The actress had to turn the role down due to prior commitments that couldn’t be worked out.
XXX: The Return ofXander Cageis the third movie in this action series. The first film was released in 2002 and was a box office success. Though, it did not receive very many good reviews across the board.Dieseldidn’t return in 2005’sXXX: State of the Union, which sawIce Cubetaking over the lead role.Samuel L. Jacksondid reprise his role in the sequel, so this latest installment will be his third time playing Gibbons, who has a very Nick Fury like way about himself.
A short film released on DVD actually showed Xander Cage dying. But he will be resurrected for the latest sequel. A revival of the series has been in the planning stages sinceFast & Furiousdebuted in 2009. The fourth installment in the long running series was an unexpected blockbuster hit, and helped refuel that franchise. Sony hoped the same would be true forxXx. But it’s been six years and counting, and the film still isn’t officially shooting yet.
Last January,Vin Dieselannounced that principle photography onXXX: The Return of Xander Cagewould being this month. We haven’t heard whether or not that is still the plan, with the production set to take place in the Philippines.D.J. Carusois directing the sequel.
