'XXX 3', or 'XXX: The Return of Xander Cage', is an upcoming action-thriller film directed by D.J. Caruso. Martial arts master Donnie Yen of 'Ip Man' fame is the latest to join the lineup after Jet Li exited the project. Ice Cube may star alongside Vin Diesel in the sequel.
According to /Film, one of the biggest martial arts masters in Hollywood will be joining Vin Diesel in the exciting new cast lineup after it lost one of its main villains. Donnie Yen of 'Ip Man' fame has reportedly signed up for 'XXX 3', otherwise called 'XXX: The Return of Xander Cage', after Jet Li exited the new project for reasons unconfirmed. Diesel confirmed Yen's attachment to the film through a Facebook post that showed the two of them huddled together with director D.J. Caruso on the filming set.
Although details of Yen's character remains scarce, it was revealed that he will be playing a man named Xiang. It is not known whether this character will fight side by side with the Xander or if he's filling up some villainous shoes.
The Hong Kong actor, action choreographer and multiple-time world Wushu tournament champion may be most well-known for his work on the biographical martial arts film 'Ip Man', but he also appeared on several big-budget action films both in his home country as well as Hollywood. According to Collider, he is set to star in the upcoming 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' as well.
Yen joins Diesel and the rest of the cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Deepika Padukone, Ruby Rose, Toni Colette and Nina Dobrev. According to Cinema Blend, there have been rumors that Ice Cube will also be reprising his role from 'XXX: State of the Union' as Darius Stone. Ice Cube replaced Diesel in the second installment in the action franchise since the latter had to drop out of the project to film 'The Pacifier'. News of Ice Cube's involvement in the sequel have not been confirmed as of the present.
'XXX 3', or 'XXX: The Return of Xander Cage', is an upcoming action-thriller film intended as the third in the action series first released on 2002. D.J. Caruso will be directing the screenplay penned by John D. Brancato and Michael Ferris. It is scheduled to be released sometime in 2017.
