The 'Fast and Furious' actor is pitching a companion TV series to his 'Riddick' film franchise to Universal Television.
- Dec 17, 2015
AceShowbiz - Riddick's adventure will continue on the small screen. Vin Diesel, who played the antihero character, is developing a TV series which is described as a "complement" to the sci-fi action franchise for Universal Television.
The project is part of a multi-year, first-look production deal for his One Race shingle with Universal Television. "In addition to being a huge star for our feature division, Vin is a true creative force as a producer. After sitting down with him and his team at One Race Television, it's clear he will now also be an incredible asset to both the network and our television studio," says Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment. "We feel really fortunate to be in business with, not only an international powerhouse, but a truly thoughtful and passionate producer."
Fox Broadcasting Co. exec VP of event series Shana C. Waterman is tapped as the head of TV. Diesel says, "I have dreamt about expanding the One Race brand into television and now we've found the perfect creative partners in Bob [Greenblatt, NBC Entertainment chairman], Jen and the team at Universal Television. Shana is an incredible addition to this team."
Diesel first talked about the "Riddick" companion series, which he wants to call "Merc City", in November. There's no word on whether he will reprise his role as the titular character on the TV series.
The "Riddick" movie franchise, which began with 2000's "Pitch Black", has spawned two sequels, "The Chronicles of Riddick" (2004) and "Riddick" (2013).
