Dame Judi Dench (M) set to team up with Vin Diesel (xXx) in new film

16-Feb-2003 • Bond News

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Dame Judi Dench - who plays `M` in the Brosnan era of Bond films - is in final negotiations to star opposite Vin Diesel in Universal Pictures` "Chronicles of Riddick".

Vin Diesel`s last film "xXx" was an attempt by Sony to create a new franchise in competition with MGM`s James Bond. The news means that 007`s current boss will be starring alongside his 2002 cinematic competition - agent Xander Cage.

Production begins in Vancouver in April on the sequel to the 2000 film "Pitch Black," about an intergalactic prisoner named Riddick (Vin Diesel) who has the ability to see in the dark.

In the sequel, Riddick, now a hunted man, finds himself in the middle of two opposing forces in a major crusade. Colm Feore will play Lord Marshal, a warrior priest who is the leader of a sect that is waging the 10th and perhaps final crusade 500 years in the future. Dench will play Aereon, an ambassador from the Elemental race. She is an ethereal being who helps Riddick unearth his origins.

"Both Judi and Colm are formidable talents, both classically trained, and I look forward to bringing these two bright stars into our dark, new universe," writer-director David Twohy said.