For years, statements and mentions swirled around with regards to writer-director David Twohy being interested in revisiting the ‘Riddick’ franchise and thus, continuing the saga alongside his friend, collaborator, producer and star, Vin Diesel.
Twohy and Diesel both have had enormous success with the saga of sci-fi antihero and certified badass, Richard B. Riddick, which began with Pitch Black (2000), its unofficial sequel The Chronicles Of Riddick (2004), and its follow-up, Riddick (2013).
It has been noted that Diesel’s schedule and commitments to other movies, franchises, sequels, and projects over the years (Fast & Furious, The Last Witch Hunter, XXX: Return Of Xander Cage, Ralph Breaks The Internet, Guardians Of The Galaxy, Avengers), have put a hold of sorts on further continuation of Riddick’s further adventures.
Now, it seems that Twohy and Diesel will once team up and deliver the long-awaited installment, tentatively titled Riddick 4: Furya. Diesel seems to have been itching to get back to the role that made him an action star as soon as possible.
Diesel took to Instagram to share his enthusiasm for the role (and more) via a Thanksgiving post, writing:
“After the longest filming shoot of my career with Fast 9… A film I am so immensely proud of. Before entering the next character and film project… so much to be excited about… Fast continuation, Xander Cage, Riddick… Groot. Not to mention the possibilities of Witch Hunter and the follow up to Bloodshot. Before all the press that coincides with the release of the various pictures next year. I must take a minute to center. To celebrate the wonderful family I have been blessed with. So grateful for the Holidays. Perfect timing I might add. Hahaha.” #holidayseason#Blessed#Grateful#Dadbod
source: https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ZH99hlFFC/?igshid=npbqcv9t9arh
Based on his post, it clearly sounds that after Fast 9 (currently in Post-Production), Diesel does intend to return to Riddick, his other franchise, XXX and a potential sequel for The Last Witch Hunter. His only present commitment is next year’s Bloodshot, a superhero action film based on the Valiant Comics character. He has also been reported to have joined the cast of director James Cameron‘s Avatar 2 and 3, scheduled for 2021 and 2023, respectively.
News of the 4th installment of Riddick and Furya is nothing new. Tracing back to Diesel’s social media posts and announcements, seems like the project has been ongoing through pre-developmental stages for past few years:
On January 29, 2014, Diesel announced on his Facebook page that Universal Pictures wished to develop a fourth Riddick film. This was according to both the commercial success and strength of home video sales of the most recent film in the series, despite receiving mixed reviews.
By April 2016, news came from Diesel himself when he confirmed that he and Twohy were developing a fourth Riddick movie, then titled Furya. Furthermore, he also announced the development of a spin-off television series titled Merc City, which would take place within the Riddick universe.
Then in May 2016, he announced that production on Furya may begin by early 2017. In a video, Diesel himself asked fans: “Are you guys excited to hear about Furya? Do you want to know where it all began with that dark character Riddick?” Twohy would then confirm that the film would having an R rating. The video and the subsequents posts did not elaborate further on how, if at all, Merc City would be connected to the upcoming film or if the show was still in the works.
On July 21, 2019, Diesel posted to social media confirming he had received a script personally from Twohy, confirming the working title as Riddick 4: Furya.
Now as of this past October, Twohy has confirmed on social media that Furya will indeed begin shooting sometime next year. All signs seem to point that Twohy’s confident on Diesel’s availability and lighter schedule. At the end of the day, this is somewhat of great news for fans of both Diesel and the franchise. Here’s hoping we get further announcements, confirmations and casting news! ▪
photos: Universal Pictures