Third 'Riddick' movie to be rated R

Riddick first appeared in 2000's "Pitch Black."

Actor Vin Diesel has once again updated fans on the progress of the much-anticipated third "Riddick" film, stating the Universal production will be rated R.

"I am grateful to have Universal in such support of this complex character's journey... not many studios would back an 'R' rating. Very cool," Diesel posted on Facebook.

The character of Riddick, played by Diesel, first appeared in 2000's "Pitch Black." That movie was followed by 2004's "The Chronicles of Riddick." The sequel was rated PG-13, while the original was R. Both films were written and directed by David Twohy.

Vin Diesel

"While I was working on character, the director and his team of artists have been creating the world and style of this picture," Diesel said about the third film, posted a sample of concept art (shown above). "We all know how much I enjoy concept art and storyboards, haha, I am like a kid in a candy shop."

"Seeing the early stage of CGI is always fascinating to me, it is a element that usually comes together long after the filming process, so you look forward to seeing it fully realized."

He went on to say that the first stop for "Riddick 3" production will be in Canada, where a large portion of "Chronicles" was filmed.

The existing plot synopsis for the upcoming film is as follows: "Betrayed by his own kind and left for dead on a desolate planet, Riddick fights for survival against alien predators and becomes more powerful and dangerous than ever before. Soon bounty hunters from throughout the galaxy descend on Riddick only to find themselves pawns in his greater scheme for revenge. With his enemies right where he wants them, Riddick unleashes a vicious attack of vengeance before returning to his home planet of Furya to save it from destruction."