Vin Diesel announces RIDDICK 3 is filming this summer, will get an R rating

Vin Diesel revealed today that Riddick 3 is scheduled to begin filming this summer, and that it will have an R rating. Earlier we reported that Diesel was attached to star in an action-comedy called The Machine from the producers of The Pacifier. That film sounded pretty interesting, but I prefer Diesel in a more hardcore action film like the Fast and Furious franchise. Today we have some news about the third film in The Chronicles of Riddick, a project which the actor has been interested in geting made for a long time

Diesel posted a new photo on his Facebook page along with the following message:

D T the writer/director just landed in New York with the good news. We can start filming this summer. However, there is a catch... in order for us to make a true R rated film, I must work for scale upfront. Not unlike the "Find me Guilty" experience (which I wouldn't have changed for the world)...

Money is always second to art, integrity and spirit... but the real issue is deeper. Can I suspend my life, to momentarily venture to that dark place... called Riddick. 

Now, I need to hear from Our collective... you. 

Wisdom and clarity appreciated.

Riddick originated the character in Pitch Black and then reprised the role in 2004's The Chronicles of Riddick. Those films were relatively succesful, but the problem has been Diesel's insistance that the third film be rated R. Based on the message above it looks as though David Twohy has told Diesel that filming can begin this summer thanks to the actor taking scale upfront instead of his normal fee. 

I really think that says a lot about Diesel's commitment to the project. I am excited to learn more about this project as news becomes available. What are your thoughts?