“I would be homeless”: Vin Diesel Gambled His House For $98 Million Movie After Every Studio Rejected Him

Vin Diesel is among the biggest action stars in Hollywood, he has become the face of the popular franchise Fast and Furious. The actor is famously known for his character Dominic Toretto in the installments, of the franchise. He has given some remarkable performances in numerous films before the franchise like, xXx, Riddick, Saving Private Ryan, Babylon A.D., and others. One of the film franchises that brought him to the limelight was Riddick, which almost cost him his house.

Riddick

Guardians of the Galaxy star was once on the verge of being homeless due to a lack of budget for the release of his film. He also revealed the reason for making the film despite a tight budget.

Vin Diesel could have become homeless due to Riddick

Vin Diesel was the producer of the popular three-part feature Pitch Black, The Chronicles Of Riddick, and Riddick. He also made an animated short film, video games, and comics on the concept. The actor played the lead actor in the films, however, the production of the third installment almost made him homeless. Over the years, the franchise may not be his biggest hit, but it is still popular among his fans.

Vin Diesel played the character of Richard B. Riddick, an anti-hero character in the franchise. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, he shared about being on the verge of losing his house during the filming of the third installment. Diesel shared that Riddick faced a lack of budget as numerous studios had turned down the film. Ultimately, he gambled on his house to complete the production.

Vin Diesel as Richard B. Riddick

Diesel shared,
“I had to leverage my house. If we didn’t finish the film, I would be homeless.”
Vin Diesel’s film Riddick was released in 2013. It was written and directed by David Twohy. The story is based on the character Richard B. Riddick by Jim and Ken Wheat.

Vin Diesel revealed the reason for making the third installment of Riddick

Vin Diesel had to face a tough time completing the production of the third installment of the Riddick franchise. He had to even leverage his house due to the lack of budget. However, no amount of obstacles deterred him from completing the film.

The Fast and Furious actor shared in the interview, that he made the installment on a fan request. He recalled,
“Something about that comment made me think, bless their heart, and if I can do anything with this newfound success if I could do anything at all, I could deliver on that wish. It’s a strange and unique sense of gratification, and it’s not like any film I’ve done in the last 10 years.”

Vin Diesel in Pitch Black

The film grossed $98 million worldwide, comparatively less than its predecessors.

Diesel announced in February 2023 the fourth installment of the film after almost a decade of the last release. It is named Riddick: Furya, and will be directed by the former installment director, David Twohy.

Riddick is available for streaming on Fubo and Peacock.