DAD director Lee Tamahori confirmed to take over Bond`s `rival` XXX franchise

05-Oct-2003 • Actor News

Vin Diesel and director Rob Cohen have opted out of the sequel to the 2002 actioner about an extreme athlete-turned-secret agent, prompting producer Revolution Studios to hire rapper Ice Cube as the star and Lee "CGI Surfing" Tamahori [Die Another Day] as director.

The second installment of the franchise, which will begin production in the summer and hit theaters in 2005. Bond 21 could shortly follow, the same as in 2002.

According to Sony-based Revolution, all parties involved determined that the franchise was best served by the introduction of a new "XXX" character in each film. Although Diesel and Cohen will not reprise their roles for the sequel, they will remain executive producers on the project.

"When we made the decision to cast a new lead actor, Ice Cube was the perfect choice," Revolution Studios partner Todd Garner said. "He is a fantastic actor who has the attitude and versatility required to bring this new character to life. We are extremely indebted to Vin, who helped us launch the franchise, and look forward to working with him on the two projects we are developing together."

Tamahori, whose work on 2002s "Die Another Day" resulted in the most successful film in the history of the James Bond franchise, also has directed such films as "Along Came a Spider" and "Mulholland Falls." He made his name with 1994s "Once Were Warriors," a gritty drama set in his native New Zealand.

"XXX," released last year, grossed about $141 million domestically. "Die Another Day" grossed $160.9m in the US box-office.