Vin Diesel credits his cameo in Fast and Furious 3 for redeeming his Riddick film series.

Vin Diesel is one of the most charismatic and recognized actors when it comes to making an action film series or sequel. He has done a plethora of films in his acting career, where he has portrayed many roles throughout his lengthy career. However, his most iconic and enduring role to date happens to be Dominic Toretto from the Fast and Furious franchise. The franchise has 10 sequels and it is going strong as many sequels are yet to come.

Vin Diesel

The Guardians of the Galaxy actor’s other most unforgettable film series was The Chronicles of Riddick, which was canceled in 2004 until Vin Diesel made a brief cameo at the end of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift as Dominic Toretto. His return not only made the franchise’s popularity go through the roof but also gave the canceled series a chance to redeem itself.

Vin Diesel’s Condition To Return to The Fast and Furious Franchise

The Fast and Furious film series was becoming a sensation back in the day, and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift connected the three films together, leading to a franchise that we know and love today. However, the franchise would have never become the franchise that we know today as Tokyo Drift had received a mixed response until Vin Diesel made his cameo.

Vin Diesel in The Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift

However, he would not have returned to reprise his iconic role after the second film, until he was given a deal that he could not refuse. During an exclusive interview with LA Times, Diesel shared that his cameo secured a producer credit with Universal Pictures, giving him an opportunity to redeem The Chronicles of Riddick after it failed at the box office in 2004.

“So when I did the cameo, they gave me two franchises. Fast, which they didn’t think they’d ever produce again, and Riddick, which they didn’t want to produce ever again.”

After returning to The Fast and Furious franchise, it became immensely popular becoming a billion-dollar franchise, leaving lasting marks in the memories of the viewers and having some of the highest-grossing records at the box office. Part of the deal was that Diesel would get another shot with Riddick, but the situation got a little tricky as time was running out for him to revert back to the studio.

Vin Diesel in Riddick

“I was in a very tricky situation. The deal I had for Tokyo Drift was running out. So I had maybe a month left in my window and then all the money I spent on the writing and development would have been lost because it was about to revert back [to the studio]. It was the scariest moment of my career.”

Vin Diesel managed to save and redeem The Chronicles of Riddick series as the third film earned $94.7 million and had a better performance than the second film. As a result, Riddick 4: Furya is confirmed and the studio is willing to work on Diesel’s passion project.

Vin Diesel Can’t Imagine The Fast and Furious Films Without Paul Walker

The Fast and Furious franchise showcases a common love for cars, money, and family. However, the missing of the late Paul Walker has often been felt by the fans and co-stars of the film. Diesel and Walker had a close bond in real as well as in reel life, so living life with your close friend can be a quite difficult task.

Paul Walker and Vin Diesel in The Fast and the Furious

During an interview with SiriusXM Entertainment via NZ Herald, Vin Diesel was asked about how it is going on without Paul Walker, he said,

“There wasn’t a day, there wasn’t a scene, there wasn’t a second where I didn’t have Paul with me in the making of this movie. It’s not making the movie without Paul, it’s, ‘What’s life like? What’s living like without Paul?’ “
The actor’s statement showcases their bond, and how difficult it is for the actor to continue the franchise after Walker’s tragic departure.