Vin Diesel’s character Xander Cage is coming back, once again. A little more than a year ago, we heard that Diesel and his people were working on “xXx 4,” but since then, it’s been quiet. Now, we have confirmation that “xXx 4” is indeed in the works, directed by the previous film’s helmer DJ Caruso, and we know who’s going to star opposite Diesel in the film.
The H Collective, the financiers behind the forthcoming sequel, have announced that Asian superstar Jay Chou will star opposite Diesel in the film. Chou isn’t a huge star in the US, but he has appeared in the films “The Green Hornet” and “Now You See Me 2.” However, overseas, he’s known as an actor, director, and musical superstar. Clearly, The H Collective is hoping that the addition of Chou to the cast will increase the awareness in Asian markets, which is where the last “xXx” film made a ton of money.
“I’ve met DJ [Caruso] a number of times over the past few months and it’s very clear how talented he is as a director. I am looking forward to working with him and Vin in bringing this film to global audiences,” said Chou. “This is an incredibly exciting film which I’m beyond happy to join.”
Released in January 2017, “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage” grossed only $45 million in the US. However, internationally, the film earned more than $301 million, with $168 million coming from China alone. Much like “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” the upcoming “xXx 4” is hoping to be more of an international play than a US hit.
So, when you read that “xXx 4” is coming out and wondering why the hell someone would make the fourth installment in a franchise that seems to be completely dead, keep in mind that Vin Diesel is huge in China. Because if he’s any movie without “fast” or “furious” in the title, the US just doesn’t care.