In a year like 2021, which followed a year like 2020, a lot of people aren't really looking for new things to watch and enjoy anymore. In many cases, it's all about remembering the good times and taking comfort in media that brings back thoughts of all that. It's just one of many reasons that new reboots and sequels in long-running franchises have been enjoying a particular heyday lately, and if a certain action star is any indication, it looks like there may be one more added to the list shortly.

Many fans of the Riddick series have been clamoring for a new entry ever since 2013's Riddick, and it seems as though things may finally be moving forward nearly a decade later. Long-time fans of the series, which spans several films and surprisingly well-received video games, may be used to a long wait between films, but patience is a virtue that tends to diminish over time. Luckily, Riddick star Vin Diesel himself seems in high spirits regarding the franchise's future. Or maybe that's just a general good post-workout mood.

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Diesel just posted a video on Instagram offering the tiniest glimmer of hope for Riddick fans in their everlasting quest for good news. As he photogenically completes his workout for the day (or one of many, just based on an assumption), he tells viewers what he's been up to lately. "For all of you out there that have been asking about Riddick," he started, before sporting a knowing smile, "today was another great day." Apparently, teasing fans is another part of his workout routine.

The Fast & Furious star didn't stop there, however, as he offered a few more hopeful tidbits for fans. "Thank you, Universal, for always believing in that IP," Diesel continued. "I'm very excited about it; I hope you guys are too." This isn't even the first time lately that he's teased viewers with Riddick updates, as a recent post in September suggested that "Furia may be closer than you think," referencing (albeit with an oddly different spelling) the fourth film's supposed title, Riddick 4: Furya, as well as the character's homeworld of the same name.

The Riddick series is sort of a sci-fi space western that stars Diesel as the titular character. Riddick himself is a Furyan, a race of adapted humans wiped out in a war, and appears to be the last of his kind. As the antihero protagonist of the series, he isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, going from escaping prison to becoming Lord Marshal of an entire fleet in the span of a few films. (That's not even to mention the impressive number of video games Diesel has starred in.) His most distinguishing visual characteristic (aside from being Vin Diesel) is his enhanced eyes, which allow him to see clearly in the dark, but leave him vulnerable to bright lights. As a result, he has to wear his trademark welder's goggles for protection.

After so much time waiting, hopefully this latest update means Diesel's fans may finally have something to look forward to. Progress on the fourth Riddick movie has been plodding along since 2014, so it's difficult to say whether this is any actual indication of a milestone.

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Source: Vin Diesel|Instagram