Ice Cube to take over Diesel role

The rapper Ice Cube is to replace action hero Vin Diesel in the sequel to xXx.

Although the film was originally to star Diesel, Cube will step in to play a new character who is recruited by the National Security Agency to become a xXx agent, according to Hollywood reports.

Diesel, whose next starring role will be The Chronicles Of Riddick, the sequel to the science fiction thriller Pitch Black, reportedly did not want to film two sequels one after the other.

“When we made the decision to cast a new lead actor, Cube was the perfect choice,” said producer Todd Garner. “He is a fantastic actor who has the attitude and versatility required to bring this new character to life.”

The new xXx will reportedly be set in Washington DC and will emphasise thriller elements over the first film’s extreme sports action.