Ericson Core to direct 'Return of Xander Cage'

The new "xXx" flick has found its director! Ericson Core is set to direct that totally unnecessary action sequel "XXX: The Return of Xander Cage," which Columbia is developing with Vin Diesel set to return as the lead character. Neal H. Moritz is producing.

Core's recent directing gigs include 2006's sports drama "Invincible" with Mark Wahlberg. Rob Cohen, who helmed the first "xXx," was attached to return as well, but he recently dropped out to direct "Medieval" instead.

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This and that in film news: 'inFamous' head to big screen; Charlize Theron heads to 'Arabia'

Here are some cool film news you really shouldn't miss on this July 29, 2009:

• Sheldon Turner is set to write the big-screen adaptation of the popular video game "inFAMOUS" for Sony Pictures. The game follows Cole MacGrath, who discovers he's got electricity-derived super powers after an explosion rips through Empire City. (The Hollywood Reporter)

• Oscar winner Charlize Theron is set to develop and maybe star in the big-screen adaptation of Christopher Buckley's novel "Florence of Arabia." Dean Craig is writing the script, about a State Department employee who fights for equal rights for women in a Middle Eastern country. (Variety)

• Robert Schwentke, whose credits include "Flightplan" and "Time Traveler's Wife," is in talks to direct Summit's thriller "Red." The film follows a retired black-ops CIA agent whose peaceful life takes a turn when an assassin shows up at his door to kill him. Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman star. (THR)

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Ferris, Brancato to write third 'xXx'?

By now we all know Vin Diesel and Rob Cohen will return for a third "xXx," but the latest we've learned is that "Terminator Salvation" screenwriters Michael Ferris and John D. Brancato may write the screenplay for the sequel.

According to Variety, the writers recently pitched their idea for "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage" to Columbia. The studio has been trying to fast-track the project ever since it was officially announced two months ago.

Besides "Salvation," Ferris and Brancato also teamed up for Jonathan Mostow's "Surrogates," which is currently filming. They also collaborated on films such as "Primeval," "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" and "Catwoman."

Cohen directed Diesel in the first film of the series in 2002, which pulled in $106.2 million domestically. They both refused to return for the 2005 sequel, which starred Ice Cube and totally crashed at the box office.

So, are you excited this project is moving along? Or do you think Xander Cage has no business blowing things up on the big screen? Post your opinions below.

Third ‘xXx’ movie to open in 2010?

While the return of Rob Cohen and Vin Diesel for a third “xXx” flick is not exactly news, here’s something that should excite die-hard fans of the franchise: the third film is planned for a 2010 release.

That’s right, Xander Cage may return to the big screen very soon. According to Collider, director Rob Cohen said he’s trying to get the project together for a 2009 shoot, with a release in the summer of 2010.

That is, if everything were to go according to plan, of course.

The new sequel is entitled “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage,” but plot details are unknown at this stage.

Cohen directed Diesel in the first film of the series in 2002, pulling in $106.2 million domestically. But they both refused to return for the 2005 sequel, which starred Ice Cube and totally crashed at the box office.

What do you think about this? Excited about this early return of Diesel? Sound off below. 

Diesel, Cohen to return for ‘XXX’ sequel

Although “xXx: State of the Union” was a major disaster, Columbia Pictures thinks it’s time to make another “xXx” sequel and bring back Vin Diesel, according to Variety.

Yes, you read right. A third film about the extreme sports athlete recruited by the government is in early developmental stages, with Diesel and director Rob Cohen back in the game.

Cohen directed Diesel in the first film of the series in 2002, pulling in $106.2 million domestically. But they both refused to return for the 2005 sequel, which starred Ice Cube and totally crashed at the box office.

Although the third flick has no script yet, the working title is “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage.” Plot details are unknown at this point.

Cohen most recently directed “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.” Diesel is currently onscreen in “Babylon A.D.” He will next be seen in Justin Lin’s “Fast & Furious.”

While I pretty much enjoyed the silliness of the first “xXx,” I’m not so sure this is such a great idea. I personally think Diesel agreed to return as Xander Cage because he desperately needs a hit. Oh well, we’ll see how it turns out.

What do you think? Should Xander Cage really return? Or couldn’t you care less? Sound off below.