xXx 4 update: Big casting news for Deepika Padukone and Vin Diesel sequel ahead of filming

Vin Diesel is expected back in the action blockbuster, which follows on from 2017’s internationally successful xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Bollywood megastar Deepika Padukone, who made her Hollywood debut in the last film, is also due back. So who’s joining them?

According to Variety, that would be Jay Chou and Zoe Zhang.

Chinese-based The H Collective has acquired the rights to the franchise, after Return of Xander Cage found huge success in China.

Chou, also a musician, has previously been seen in The Green Hornet; while Zhang was in Chinese Zodiac.

“I’ve met DJ a number of times over the past few months and it’s very clear how talented he is as a director,” said Chou.

“I am looking forward to working with him and Vin in bringing this film to global audiences.

“This is an incredibly exciting film which I’m beyond happy to join.”

“We are very excited to be working on the fourth instalment of xXx, which has always been such a fun, action-packed, global franchise,” CEO of The H Collective, Nic Crawley, added.

“We are looking to build a well-rounded international cast and introduce bold new characters that are sure to have longevity in the continued franchise.”

xXx: Return of Xander Cage earned $346.1 million at the global box office, of which a massive $164 million alone was in China.

Padukone’s involvement was previously alluded to by director DJ Caruso, who reiterated that he had every intention of bringing her back.

She will also soon be seen in a biopic about a real-life acid attack survivor; a venture she will also produce.

xXx 4 is expected to go into production in early 2019.