10 Actors Who Returned To Save Dying Movie Franchises
9. Vin Diesel - XXX
Vin Diesel went through a strange time in his career when he frequently left the franchises that had given him his initial success. While his return to the Fast & Furious series is one that is most remembered, it cannot be forgotten that Diesel also made the bizarre decision to leave the XXX franchise as well.
2002's XXX was great escapist fun, with the lead man starring alongside Samuel L Jackson as an extreme sports expert hired by the US government for an undercover mission. Despite the film being a success and cementing Vin Diesel as a household name, the muscular front man decided to pass up on the sequel to undertake such 'blockbuster' films as The Chronicles of Riddick and The Pacifier.
Producers decided to proceed with a XXX sequel, State of the Union, without Diesel, with Ice Cube taking the lead role. The film was a staggering flop, losing close to $100 Million after promotional costs. Not surprisingly, the series was placed on an indefinite hiatus, until the original lead got back on board in 2017's XXX: Return of Xander Cage.
The film was everything we hoped for in a XXX sequel, with more spectacular stunts and innovative action sequences, and Vin Diesel back as the unflappable Xander Cage. With fans back on board, plans are already afoot for a fourth entry in the franchise, and yes, Vin Diesel has signed on once more.