Director quits 'XXX' sequel

Vin Diesel's return as thrill seeker Xander Cage has been left hanging in the balance after director Rob Cohen pulled out of the third 'XXX' movie.

Cohen, who took charge of 2002's 'XXX', was due to begin work on 'XXX 3: The Return of Xander Cage' later this year after securing original star Diesel to come back to the franchise.

But history buff Cohen has quit the project to make another action film - going back in time to shoot 'Medieval', reports Variety.

He said: "It was a tough decision about 'XXX'. I talked to Vin over the weekend and said I hoped they would wait, but that if they find another director who's right for the sequel, I certainly wouldn't be angry. But I could not let something like this go."

A replacement for Cohen has yet to be announced. 'XXX 3' was due for release in 2010.

Rapper/actor Ice Cube took over Diesel's leading role for the 'XXX' follow-up, 'XXX: State of the Union', in 2005.