Directed by D.J. Caruso, the latest installment of the xXx franchise officially hits theaters today. Written by Chad St. John and F. Scott Frazier, xXx: Return of Xander Cage is yet another action-packed sequel to the series. In the official trailer, Paramount Pictures delivers a rollercoaster ride of stunt work, featuring Vin Diesel catching some serious hang time. Whether he’s freestyle skiing in a dense jungle (yes, you read that right), skateboarding across the side of a bus, or riding a motorcycle like a jet ski, the film doesn’t cut corners when it comes to fast-paced sequences. Everyone knows Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto from the Fast & Furious franchise, but he was also featured in The Chronicles of Riddick and lent his voice as The Iron Giant in the 1999 animated classic. In case you need a refresher, the Return of Xander Cage marks the third film in the xXx franchise. As Samuel L. Jackson so eloquently states in the trailer, the premise is simple—kick some ass, get the girl, and try to look dope while you’re doing it.

Also known as Triple X, the original film was released on August 9, 2002, and focused on Vin Diesel's amped-up Xander Cage. Vin Diesel acts as a modern day Evel Knievel, a rough and tough guy who’s best known for his gravity defying antics. Always seeking a thrill, the adrenaline junkie showcases his wild stunts and extreme sports flair. When he joins the National Security Agency, he finds himself sent to Central Europe on a mission involving Russian terrorists. The original film also starred Asia Argento, Samuel L. Jackson and Marton Csokas. In 2005, xXx: State of the Union was released, which starred Ice Cube as Darius Stone. Vin Diesel apparently opted out because he didn't care for the script, therefore Ice Cube snagged the lead role as a new Triple X Agent. Thanks to modern technology and the magic of cinema, we've come a long way from busts like the attempted motorcycle jump over Snake River Canyon in 1974 by Evel Knievel.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage might have just hit theaters, but Variety reports that Vin Diesel says that Paramount producers already want another 'xXx' movie. The Return of Xander Cage picks off several years after xXx: State of the Union, following Cage and his secretive life off the grid. Samuel L. Jackson reprises his role as NSA Agent Augustus Gibbons, alongside a fresh international cast, including quite a few martial arts superstars.

Fresh from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, esteemed martial artist Donnie Yen recently starred as the blind warrior-monk, Chirrut Îmwe. In xXx: Return of Xander Cage, Yen will undoubtedly make a big impact with his role as Xiang. Thai martial artist and action star Tony Jaa also joined the squad. In the film, Jaa showcases his muay thai skills as Talon, a fighter from Thailand. Tony Jaa was also given a short fight sequence in the recent "Fast 7" film, opposite of the late Paul Walker. While filming xXx: The Return of Xander Cage in Toronto, Canada, Tony Jaa had a new experience of shooting fast-paced action scenes in freezing cold weather. UFC should take note, MMA fighter Michael Bisping also has a minor role as Hawk.

Bollywood starlet Deepika Padukone lights up the screen as the former flame of Xander Cage, while Nina Dobrev from The Vampire Diaries lends a hand with her tech-savvy skills. Chinese-Canadian actor Kris Wu also joins the cast as Nicks. Actress Ruby Rose, who we’ll be seeing again next week in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, landed a role as a sharpshooting sniper.

“I wanted to go out of the confines of Hollywood — go into foreign film markets — and pulled out their celebrated, respected heroes,” Diesel said about the diverse casting choices. “Although we come from all over the world, when you see us together, you see harmony.”

Written by Jade Nicolette 

Twitter: @nicolette_style