The third installment in the "xXx" franchise, "XXX: Return of Xander Cage" is set to be released on January 20 in the US. The long-awaited Vin Diesel sequel is backed by Chinese companies Huahua Media and Shanghai Film Group through Paramount and Revolution Studios.
According to Variety, the two Chinese companies made the investment through a joint venture. The size of the investment is not disclosed, but the relationship is not actually a new one. Huahua and Shanghai have also invested in Paramount's "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back," and Huahua has also been a partner in other Paramount films, which include "Star Trek Beyond" and "Transformers: Age of Extinction".
Huahua CEO Kefei Wang said that the company is poised to launch a a multi-market campaign to drive a lucrative opening for the popular film series in China, The Wrap reported. Vin Diesel reprises his role as Xander Cage, and he also produced the film, along with Jeff Kirschenbaum, Joe Roth and Samantha Vincent.
Meanwhile, Ren Zhonglun, President of Shanghai Film Group said that the US is a developed market while the Chinese market is still developing. He added that companies like Paramount Pictures and Huahua Media who can connect the two could create a significant collaboration that benefits both markets.
The trailer for "XXX: Return of Xander Cage" hit 100 million views in just two days in November. The movie includes international casts which includes Samuel L Jackson, Ruby Rose, Kris Wu, Nina Dobrev, Tony Jaa and Deepika Padukone. Reports say that Jet Li was also cast originally for Donny Yen's role, but in February, he dropped out of the film.
Vin Diesel has previously said that Paramount has already expressed interest in doing a fourth film. Paramount has not commented on this yet, but reports say that filming for the fourth installment will begin in May.
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