New R-Rated 'Riddick' Movie Greenlit Only if Vin Diesel Takes Pay Cut

Diesel has spoken in the past about a possible sequel, which may be coming sooner than expected.  Diesel has spoken with writer/director David Twohy about Riddick, and it could film as early as this summer with an R rating and everything.  One caveat:

“[Twohy] 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.”

Read everything Diesel had to say about Riddick after the jump.

Here’s the text of the first post from Diesel’s Facebook page:

GRRRR..

D T 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.

Now, I need to hear from Our collective… you.

Wisdom and clarity appreciated.

And the follow-up:

I have read so many interesting and intelligent responses to today’s post.
You all have such great insight… I truly love Our page.
Thank you again for taking the time to weigh in.

P.s. I am off to another meeting with David, the director of Riddick… to see concept art and discuss the potential schedule.

Rex Cowan: – wrote – “We all have the dark Riddick inside us. You have a penchant for showing us our true selves. I for one support your dive into Riddick and will standby to help pull you out.”

I’m not sure what response he expected or wanted, but it’s cool that Diesel is connecting with his fans in this way.  I’m new to Our page — does he often growl to start things off?

The following synopsis for Riddick was released about a year ago along with a few pieces of concept art, though the project may have evolved since then:

Betrayed by his own kind and left for dead on a desolate planet, Riddick (Diesel) 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.

I'm just glad to finally see this project making progress and amazed to see Universal giving the greenlight (tentatively) on an edgy, R-rated sci-fi project. But then again, Vin Diesel and Fast Five have earned them an impressive $187 million at the box office so far. He's probably earned a good amount money anyway and Universal is happy with the success he can bring, so why not try it again with a sci-fi franchise? Bring it on, I've been waiting for more Riddick! Here's a great quote to end on: "We all have the dark Riddick inside us. You have a penchant for showing us our true selves." We'll definitely keep you updated on this new sequel.