Ericson Core to direct 'xXx 3'

Ericson Core has been hired to direct xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage, says The Hollywood Reporter.

The third instalment in the extreme sports action series will bring Vin Diesel back to the franchise. His character Xander Cage will return to the National Security Agency following an eight-year absence.

Core, who worked as the director of photography on Diesel's 2001's hit The Fast And The Furious, replaces Rob Cohen in the director's chair after winning the approval of Diesel and Columbia Pictures.

Terminator Salvation's John Brancato and Michael Ferris penned the new xXx script, which will go in front of cameras early next year.