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Variety reports that the newly hot actor has inked a deal for that fee to star in "XXX," which is described as "an extreme James Bond picture with hip-hop flair."
Due to begin shooting this fall, "XXX" will see Diesel re-teaming with his "The Fast And The Furious" co-star Rob Cohen. The report said there whad been some doubt Diesel would join the project, however, because he wanted a substantial increase from his most recent pay day, $2.5 million for the upcoming "El Diablo."
Revolution Studios, which is making "XXX," had initially offered $7.5 million, but went higher without raising the film's $50 million, which suggests other corners were cut to attract the star.
The big money may not end there. Variety said Diesel is being courted for a sequel to "Pitch Black" and is also being touted as a foil for Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Terminator 3."
The deal for "XXX" is just the latest sign of Hollywood's upcoming generation flexing their box-office clout. Diesel's "The Fast And The Furious" co-star Paul Walker has also recently seen his pay day rise, as has "Legally Blonde" star Reese Witherspoon. Each is now demanding and receiving $5 million per picture.