Vin Diesel's comeback as an ass-kicking ex-con from the future is on hold ... because production on the new "Chronicles of Riddick" movie has been shut down over some serious cash flow issues.

TMZ spoke with Michel Trudel -- the owner of the Montreal studio where the new movie is being shot -- who tells us he changed the locks and kicked everyone off the set Wednesday because the production company, One Race Films, has failed to pay up on time.

FYI -- One Race Films was founded by Vin Diesel ... who is also set to produce and star in the upcoming flick.

But Trudel isn't the only one griping about a paycheck -- sources connected to production tell us several members of the crew have not been paid in over 2 weeks ... and are very concerned about getting their money.

Trudel tells us he's confident the situation will be resolved soon ... and he's more than happy to let production resume ... as soon as he gets his money.