Vin Diesel Reignites Riddick in Upcoming Sci-Fi Sequel ‘Furya’

by Annika May 7, 2024

– Vin Diesel is set to star and produce a new entry in the Riddick franchise, “Riddick: Furya,” with filming starting in late August 2023 and reuniting him with franchise director David Twohy.
– The storyline of “Riddick: Furya” follows the titular character as he returns to his homeworld, where he encounters fellow Furyans and a new monster threat.

Vin Diesel Reignites Riddick in Upcoming Sci-Fi Sequel ‘Furya’

Vin Diesel’s indelible mark in the realm of science fiction cinema is set to deepen as he once again steps into the boots of the formidable Riddick, a character that catapulted him into the Hollywood limelight. “Riddick: Furya,” announced back in February 2023, is preparing to leap into production, targeting an August 26th commencement for shooting. This installment represents a continuation of a series that Diesel not only stars in but also produces, showcasing his multifaceted involvement in the craft of filmmaking.

The project is a collaborative reunion with director David Twohy, who has been the visionary behind all of the series’ prior films. Their partnership has been the driving force of the Riddick saga, with Twohy’s direction and Diesel’s portrayal creating a compelling protagonist who has resonated with audiences. The upcoming film, “Furya,” promises to be an ambitious cinematic undertaking, with plans to shoot across diverse and picturesque locations such as Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

The Riddick series began with “Pitch Black” in 2000, a Universal Pictures release that introduced Diesel as Riddick, a captured criminal who finds himself amidst a group that crashes on a planet teeming with monstrous creatures that emerge in the dark. Its production budget was a modest million, but in its 2004 sequel “The Chronicles of Riddick,” the series expanded its universe considerably with a budget surpassing 0 million. Despite the increase in scale, this larger exploration failed to capture audiences’ support to the extent anticipated, and the series’ future seemed uncertain.

Defying expectations, Diesel took a remarkable step to safeguard the franchise’s continuation. He executed a shrewd business maneuver to acquire the rights to the Riddick franchise in a swap deal, which involved his return to the “Fast & Furious” films. This strategic move led to “Riddick” in 2013, which returned to the series’ roots with a more focused, thrilling concept that resonated better with fans and critics alike.

The storyline of “Furya” sees Riddick confronting his past by returning to his home planet Furya, a world from his fragmented memories, now facing ruination. What awaits him are not only new monstrous adversaries but also fellow Furyans striving to survive, some of whom reflect Riddick’s own hardened survival instincts and ruthlessness.

Under Diesel’s One Race Films, the production includes contributions from his sister Samantha Vincent, and fellow producers Thorsten Schumacher for Rocket Science, Lars Sylvest for Thank You Studios, and Joe Neurauter. In a show of the series’ recognized global appeal, “Riddick: Furya” has secured significant international presales rights, generating an impressive global distribution network, with CAA Media Finance managing the North American rights.

Vin Diesel’s continued devotion to the Riddick character demonstrates his commitment not only to the role but also to the broader narrative elements that have defined the series. His fans eagerly anticipate this next chapter, hoping to see Riddick’s world and storylines expand further, filling in the untold spaces of its vast universe.

The revival and persistent popularity of the Riddick series highlight how a singular charismatic role can shape an actor’s career and provide the foundation for a lasting legacy in genre filmmaking. As “Riddick: Furya” gears up for its production, there is an air of expectation for it to once again ignite the spark that first brought Riddick to prominence: the magical combination of a unique hero, otherworldly dangers, and the stark beauty of interstellar peril.