The popular Chronicles of Riddick series is about to get its newest installment. After some previous issues, it looks like things are back on track and currently filming (although a little later then expected). Vin Diesel has been posting pictures on his Facebook account of filming, but today the official press release has come around. We were given plot details and casting news.

“The infamous Riddick has been left for dead on a sun-scorched planet that appears to be lifeless. Soon, however, he finds himself fighting for survival against alien predators more lethal than any human he’s encountered. The only way off is for Riddick to activate an emergency beacon and alert mercenaries who rapidly descend to the planet in search of their bounty.

The first ship to arrive carries a new breed of merc, more lethal and violent, while the second is captained by a man whose pursuit of Riddick is more personal. With time running out and a storm on the horizon that no one could survive, his hunters won’t leave the planet without Riddick’s head as their trophy.

Riddick also sees the return of Karl Urban (Star Trek, The Bourne Supremacy) as Vaako and introduces to the series Jordi Molla (Bad Boys II, Colombiana) as Santana, the arrogant captain of the mercenary ship; Matt Nable (Killer Elite) as Boss Johns, a man looking for answers; Katee Sackhoff (TV’s Battlestar Galactica) as the Nordic mercenary Dahl; and Bokeem Woodbine (upcoming Total Recall) as bounty hunter Moss. Rounding out the cast are Dave Bautista (The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption), Conrad Pla (Immortals), Raoul Trujillo (Apocalypto), Nolan Funk (TV’s Aliens in America) and two-time Grammy Award-nominated singer Keri Hilson.”

Personally, I’m excited to see Katee Sackhoff added to the cast, as I am a huge Battlestar Galactica fan.

The press release went on to say the Diesel himself is producing the films, coming off of ‘Fast Five’ and the up and coming ‘Fast and Furious 6’. The executive producer is Samantha Vincent, also of the ‘Fast Five’ fame.

There is no title yet for the film, as it is still marketed as ‘The Untitled Chronicles of Riddick Sequel’. Along with that, there is no set release date, but we can expect it to hit theaters in 2013. It might be a long wait, but from the looks of things it will be worth it!

Are you excited for Riddick? Who is a new cast member you’re excited for?