Dame Judi Dench will have an unlikely new partner in her latest movie, when she teams up with Hollywood hardman Vin Diesel. The renowned actress is in final negotiations to appear in The Chronicles Of Riddick, the sequel to surprise sci-fi hit Pitch Black.
In the first movie, a relatively unknown Vin played Richard Riddick, a dangerous criminal whose super-sensitive eyes mean he can only see in the dark. In the sequel, the fearsome fugitive finds himself caught up in an intergalactic crusade.
Judi is to depict an ethereal ambassador who helps our antihero unearth his origins. The 68-year-old actress is no stranger to perilous missions, having played M in the last four 007 flicks.
And Vin, whose extreme action character XXX was touted as being the US answer to James Bond, has made no secret of his admiration for the venerable British star. While visiting London a few months ago, he went to see her perform in the play Breath of Life opposite fellow Dame Maggie Smith. Security guards (rather bravely) turned him away when he went to the stage door in the hope of meeting her, but that didn't stop him sending a bouquet of flowers to show his respect.
Nice to know the muscle-bound star has a soft side, though it's unlikely to be evident when he dons the signature shades that allow Riddick to endure the hours of daylight.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
