It’s never easy for a director to enter in to a pre-existing franchise, given the established, expectant audience, but it’s a challenge taken on by D.J. Caruso, helming xXx: Return of Xander Cage.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage

We asked him how about collaborating with lead star Vin Diesel, while Caruso also discusses the international cast assembled, and how this doesn’t feel like a traditional Hollywood blockbuster.

This led into a chat about football superstar Neymar, who has a cameo performance in this film, with Caruso explaining that the fantastical, overstated nature of the movie gave him a freedom to be more creative in his means of storytelling. Finally, he updated on his involvement in the G.I. Joe franchise. Be sure to check out this handy link for all of our other junket and premiere interviews

xXx: Return of Xander Cage Synopsis

After coming out of self-imposed exile, daredevil operative Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) must race against time to recover a sinister weapon known as Pandora’s Box, a device that controls every military satellite in the world. Recruiting a new group of thrill-seeking cohorts, Xander finds himself entangled in a deadly conspiracy that points to collusion at the highest levels of government.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage is released in cinemas across the UK Friday January 19th.