Discuss: Should Vin Diesel Bring Back Xander Cage?

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on September 15, 2008

By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Columbia Pictures’ plans to bring back the xXx series. If not, here’s the deal: The studio is in talks with producer Joe Roth for a new version of xXx, one that would bring back star Vin Diesel and director Rob Cohen. The project, which is currently titled xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, currently has no script, but sources are saying that both Diesel and Cohen have agreed to come back to the franchise, should a studio pact be made. As well, Variety is reporting today that if Columbia passes, there are a few other studios waiting in the wings to pick it up.

So now the debate can begin amongst fans: With the relative success of the Diesel-fueled first xXx and the lack of success of the Ice Cube/Sam Jackson-powered sequel xXx: State of the Union, are we really all that interested in seeing the franchise taken to a third frame? From where I am sitting, I lost interest about 40 minutes into the first film, when this Gen X James Bond continued to spew witless dialog and live through unfathomable action scenarios. And with the first film being mediocre at best, the second was abysmal. As much as I love a good action movie, action alone just won’t cut it. I will stick with Diesel in the Fast and Furious series, a franchise that seems to be on the up and up. And when I want solid action, I will look for Jason Statham on the poster.

Do you think that the xXx franchise should get a third chance to entertain?

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