Vin Diesel inks first-look deal with Universal

DieselAfter Universal Pictures locked the writer and director of "Fast Five" into first-look deals, it only made sense that one of its stars was next.That would be Vin Diesel, who's signed a two-year production pact at Universal to house his One Race Films. Diesel, who's appeared in all but one of the "Fast" pics that have grossed more than $1.5 billion worldwide, will be joined on the lot by his One Race execs Samantha Vincent and David Ortiz."Fast Five" scribe Chris Morgan and director Justin Lin were given first-look deals after the automotive actioner kicked off this year's blockbuster season, grossing $600 million worldwide and ending a significant slump for Universal with an $82.3 million domestic bow, the biggest in the studio's history.Universal has now wrapped up key creatives from all sides of a single franchise. And though first-look talent deals are common, it's unusual for a barrage of production contracts to spring from just one film. The deals show that Universal is not only committed to future "Fast" pics, but other unrelated projects that Diesel could drive as well.Besides the "Fast" franchise, the thesp has been a key force in shaping U's "Riddick" series, which he has produced and starred in. The first, 2000's "Pitch Black," became a cult fave, and Diesel's character returned in 2004's "Chronicles of Riddick." That film earned $116 million worldwide and spawned a hit vidgame series. Diesel and writer-helmer David Twohy have continued development on the third film, releasing concept art and keeping fans up to date via Facebook and Twitter.Diesel is repped by CAA and Brillistein Entertainment Partners. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com