'XXX' director Rob Cohen forgoing sequel, Vin Diesel for now

Director Rob Cohen has backed out of the Vin Diesel-led XXX sequel, The Return of Xander Cage, to pursue another project, Medieval, according to Variety. "It was a tough decision about XXX," Cohen told Variety. "I talked to Vin over the weekend and said I hoped they wouldwait, but that if they find another director who's right for thesequel, I certainly wouldn't be angry. But I could not let somethinglike this go." The move is surprising considering that Diesel once again became one of Hollywood's hottest commodities after a blockbuster return to the scene with The Fast and the Furious sequel, Fast and Furious. Cohen describes his new project, Medieval, as "The Magnificent Seven in the Middle Ages." Production is set to begin in October.