It looks like XXX: The Return of Xander Cage is up and running. Star Vin Diesel has posted the first images from behind-the-scenes and even shows off his motocross skills in one image from his Facebook page. The image appears to be for a promotional photo or possibly even the poster, with Xander Cage popping a wheelie, a bikini-clad woman straddling his handlebars. The second photo is much more innocent. About this scene from set, the actor had this to say.

"The Director, producers and myself sitting in wonder as we take in the artistry of the many craftsmen that have built these amazing sets. You can tell the first day what level of crew you will be working with and it is clear that XxX has the very best. Grateful for the opportunity to make magic."

The story centers on Vin Diesel's Xander Cage, who forms a new team filled with ""sexy badasses and comic relief players." This franchise will follow the same path as Vin Diesel's Fast & Furious franchise, which has risen to new box office heights since being reconfigured as an action franchise. International action stars Tony Jaa and Jet Li have joined the cast. It is believed that Jet Li may be playing one of the villains.

Samuel L. Jackson will be reprising his role from the original xXx as Special Agent Augustus Gibbons. Other new cast members include Deepika Padukone, Nina Dobrev, Ruby Rose and Conor McGregor. There is also a report that XXX: State of the Union star Ice Cube may also be making an appearance.

D.J. Caruso (Eagle Eye) is directing from a script by F. Scott Frazier (The Numbers Station). Vin Diesel is producing alongside his sister Samantha Vincent, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Joe Roth. Production is scheduled to take place in Toronto and the Philippines. The sequel doesn't have a distributor yet, but several sources claim that Paramount Pictures will be the franchise's new home. Check out these latest images.