Jay Chou Joins Vin Diesel in 'xXx 4'

Along with the "King of Mandopop" in a starring role, the action flick has several Chinese financing partners, including Jackie Chan's film banner.

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 $168 million of its $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 the Middle Kingdom.

"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 (Chinese Zodiac), a frequent collaborator of Jackie Chan, also has joined the film's international cast.

Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum are producing with Diesel and Samantha Vincent for One Race Films. The film is scheduled to begin shooting in 2019.