Vin Diesel has signed on to star in the next installment of the CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK series, reports VARIETY. David Twohy will return to write and direct the film simply titled RIDDICK. The story is being kept on the down low, but word is that it will be closer to PITCH BLACK, which started the franchise.

Diesel and Samantha Vincent are the producers via their One Race Films. Radar Films' Ted Fields is another producer.

The sci-fi film will be release in the U.S. by Universal, while Lionsgate is handling the international rights.

CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK made $116 million worldwide and served as the basis of a popular videogame.