Vin Diesel to produce 'The Machine'

Vin Diesel has committed to starring and producing the sci-fi thriller The Machine.

The actor will play an android designed by the Pentagon which places it into storage, before a child reactivates him and causes governmental forces to seek Diesel's machine out - even though it is now a member of a normal family.

Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Gerrant are scripting the film, which is their first collaboration with the actor since 2005's family comedy The Pacifier, Heat Vision reports.

Diesel, who is currently in Fast & Furious 5, recently that he had "mellowed out" and was more interested in "hugging" people than fighting.

He also said that he thinks the movie is worthy of an Academy Award at next year's ceremony, adding that he feels films like Fast & Furious 5 are not given due credit by film critics and panels at awards ceremonies.

The actor will next be seen in xXx: The Return of Zander Cage and Riddick.