xXx: Return of Xander Cage

After an apparent fatal incident leaves Xander Cage presumed dead, he quietly reappears to take on a brand new assignment from his old handler Augustus Gibbons. Instead of a straight return to the field, Cage operates off the books, relying on old contacts and a reckless confidence that keeps him ahead of enemies and the authorities. The film sends him across multiple countries where stunts, high-speed chases, and close-quarters showdowns test his limits. He brings unexpected allies into a dangerous operation that mixes espionage with extreme sports style action, while trying to keep his past under wraps and the mission under control.

Released in 2017, the film was directed by D.J. Caruso and credits Rich Wilkes and F. Scott Frazier for the series creation. It serves as a revival entry in the xXx franchise and marks a studio-scale push to reintroduce Vin Diesel's antihero to global audiences.

The picture was a strong commercial performer, earning roughly $346 million worldwide. Its international appeal helped it recoup production costs quickly and made it one of the more profitable modern action installments tied to a familiar franchise.

The movie broadened the series visibility by assembling a diverse, international supporting cast, which brought extra attention in markets outside the US. Scenes built around extreme sports stunts and flashy set pieces sparked social media chatter, and the casting of actors like Deepika Padukone and Donnie Yen increased the title's profile across Asia and beyond.

Critical response was mixed, reflected in a vote average near 6.1 out of 10, with praise aimed at the stunt work, set pieces, and star charisma, while some reviewers called out a thin plot and an emphasis on spectacle over depth. The film leans into themes of identity, loyalty, and showmanship, favoring energetic action and crowd-pleasing moments over subtle character work.