TAIWANESE pop star-turned-actor Jay Chou is teaming up with Vin Diesel to co-star in the upcoming fourth installment of the “xXx” franchise, which is to be directed by D.J. Caruso.

Known as the King of Mandopop, Chou is a huge draw across Asia as a pop signer and beloved personality. But U.S. viewers will know him best for his transition to acting in features such as “The Green Hornet” with Seth Rogen, or in Jon Chu’s action-comedy “Now You See Me 2.”

“This is an incredibly exciting film, which I’m beyond happy to join,” Chou said in a statement.

“xXx 4” will be produced and financed by growing mini studio The H Collective, with backing from investment partners including Jackie Chan’s Sparkle Roll Media, iQiyi Pictures, Dadi Huarui, Star League Media and Fulcrum Management Co.

Together with Vin Diesel and his One Race Films Banner, The H Collective acquired the rights to the “xXx” franchise from Revolution Studios earlier this year.

The heavy Chinese investment participation in the film is no surprise considering that “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage” earned US$168 million of its US$346 million worldwide total at the Chinese box office last year. Thanks to “The Fast and the Furious” franchise, Diesel is one of the best-known Hollywood stars in China.

“We are very excited to be working on the fourth installment of ‘xXx,’ which has always been such a fun, action-packed, global franchise,” said The H Collective CEO Nic Crawley. “We are looking to build a well-rounded international cast and introduce bold new characters that are sure to have longevity in the continued franchise.”

Chinese actress Zoe Zhang, a frequent collaborator of Jackie Chan, also has joined the film’s cast.

The film is scheduled to begin shooting in 2019.

(SD-Agencies)