Exciting news for fans of PITCH BLACK and THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, seems that Vin Diesel has been pushing for a greenlight on a third adventure for his sci-fi anti-hero for some time, and despite hefty odds (CHRONICLES bombed badly) his persistence seems to have paid off.

Speaking on the facebooks, Diesel had this to say:

“David Twohy the writer/director just landed in New York with the good news. We can start filming this summer. However, there is a catch … in order for us to make a true R-rated film, I must work for scale upfront. Not unlike the ‘Find Me Guilty’ experience (which I wouldn’t have changed for the world). Money is always second to art, integrity and spirit… but the real issue is deeper. Can I suspend my life, to momentarily venture to that dark place… called Riddick.”

Erm, yes? Working for scale upfront (basically an actor’s minimum wage) doesn’t sound like much of a hardship to me, especially considering the truckloads of cash the FAST franchise is currently raking in (of which Diesel is surely to benefit.) If you’re truly committed to maintaining the integrity of the character then I don’t see the dilemma, Vin – just be thankful a studio is willing to take a risk on this in the first place.

The project is currently going by two titles – ‘THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK: DEAD MAN STALKING’ and (the significantly stripped down and supremely less awful) ‘RIDDICK’. Guys, seriously – go for the latter.

Here’s what you can expect from Riddick’s next adventure, courtesy of the official script synopsis released earlier this year:

“Betrayed by his own kind and left for dead on a desolate planet, Riddick fights for survival against alien predators and becomes more powerful and dangerous than ever before. Soon bounty hunters from throughout the galaxy descend on Riddick only to find themselves pawns in his greater scheme for revenge. With his enemies right where he wants them, Riddick unleashes a vicious attack of vengeance before returning to his home planet of Furya to save it from destruction.”

Seems like they’re trying to infuse a little of what made PITCH BLACK so successful (menacing bald bloke battling alien beasties) into the mythology overload that hampered CHRONICLES.

As always we’ll be sure to keep you all updated on the film’s progress.

Excited for this movie, or do you find this franchise Riddick-ulous? *silence* Let us know with your comments below!