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Feature trailer for xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, starring Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen, Ruby Rose, Toni Collette and Tony Jaa.
After a near-death experience, government agent Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) embarks on another lethal mission in this action-packed sequel to the 2002 film xXx. Cage's latest task involves locating a deadly weapon, with this help of his handler Augustus Eugene Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson).
When you are er, reinvigorating a franchise, you might as well go big. The rule holds true for xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, which has filled its coffers with an ensemble cast. You have your action-based stars such as Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa. But then Paramount mixes in Ruby Rose, Nina Dobrev, Deepika Padukone, who is using the actioner as her Hollywood debut, and the great Toni Collette. And, for good measure, the film will ride some of HBO's Game of Thrones popularity having cast The Hound himself, Rory McCann. We love McCann!
With a reboot such as this, we can only assume Paramount is risking more than the $70 million risked by Columbia on the first xXx installment. That 2002 release was able to score a $277 million return at the box office. Once Ice Cube swapped in for Vin Diesel, the franchise couldn't even earn back its budget. While the sequel's lack of box office prowess might not instill confidence for the studio, I still wouldn't be surprised to hear if the budget went close to or north of $100 million. I mean, look at the cast!
To be clear, I still think the whole skiing through the jungle bit is sort of dumb. But what the feature trailer for xXx: The Return of Xander Cage successfully does is showcase the film's incredible action ensemble. And all the fight sequences that come with them. The special effects and stunt sequences are non-stop, which makes me think that Samuel L. Jackson and Toni Collette exist purely as a way to keep the film grounded in some sense of reality.
And, speaking of reality, the trailer showcases a stunt that is almost as ridiculous as skiing in the jungle. And what is that you ask? How about the idea of riding motorcycles -- with sleds, mind you -- into the ocean. But, I'm willing to let it all slide because of the rest of the supporting cast. Deepika looks fantastic, Ruby Rose is smoking, Nina Dobrev is adorable and Rory McCann looks like he is having an insane amount of fun here. Even Neymar's quick scene is worthy of inclusion.
I can't think of the last film that looked so ridiculously and over the top, while also convincing me it's still worth a viewing on opening weekend.