A Beginner’s Guide to the Chronicles of Riddick Trilogy

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Even though some might discover things at a later time, movies have an enduring quality, especially when they attract dedicated fanbases. For instance, “The Chronicles of Riddick“, a series (thus far) of movies featuring Vin Diesel in the lead role, undeniably possess a loyal fanbase. Consequently, if you’re new to these films, chances are you’ve already heard plenty about them due to their devoted following.

Each of the three science fiction movies produced by Universal Pictures share the same main character and backstory, but they offer distinctly unique takes on the same sci-fi universe, providing a diverse range of experiences within an overarching franchise.

If you’re new to the universe of Richard Riddick, let’s delve deeper into the character, the setting, and the movies that depict this fascinating world.

For More on the Riddick Franchise

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A newcomer’s guide to all three Riddick movies

Pitch Black (2000)

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In the first installment of the series, titled “Pitch Black“, filmmaker David Twohy sets the stage with his direction, while screenwriters Ken and Jim Wheat provide the script. This initial movie brings us the character of Riddick, portrayed by Diesel, who is a ruthless convict known for his violent past. He possesses unique surgically enhanced eyes that allow him to see in the dark and has an attitude as wide as a mile. When we encounter him, he’s imprisoned on a spacecraft that experiences a crash landing on a perilous alien planet. As day turns into night within hours, this world is plunged into complete darkness, providing the perfect hunting ground for the light-dependent creatures inhabiting it to devour any hapless prey they can find.

In this situation, Riddick demonstrates his unpredictable nature as well as his unwilling heroism, navigating the crash survivors towards what they believe is safety using his keen senses and intelligence. The Riddick movies, including creatures and jump scares, are particularly notable in Pitch Black, which amplifies the suspenseful, engaging terror of its concept by immersing us in a perilous atmosphere that exploits our fear of the dark. Though it’s primarily a science fiction adventure film, at times it delves deep into full-blown horror territory, making for an exciting watch.

The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)

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After the success of “Pitch Black” at the box office, director David Twohy, Vin Diesel, and their team received a larger budget for their sequel, which they used to amplify their aspirations. Years after the initial events, “The Chronicles of Riddick” resumes with an invading force known as the Necromongers, made up of lethal warriors, wreaking havoc across the galaxy under the command of Lord Marshall (played by Colm Feore), a half-dead being with immense power. They are on a quest to find what they believe is their promised land, but in the process, they are indiscriminately killing or converting almost everyone they encounter into the peculiar undeath associated with Necromonger existence.

To avoid the possibility that only a villain could handle these ruthless villains, Riddick’s former allies and associates placed a bounty on him, hoping to lure him back into society. Once there, he was given the challenge of confronting the Necromonger menace, a role he reluctantly accepted once more. In essence, he became the unwilling hero. If “Pitch Black” can be likened to a monster movie, then “The Chronicles of Riddick” resembles a grand epic reminiscent of “Dune”, featuring ornate armor, mystical abilities, and duels where the destiny of the entire cosmos hangs in the balance. This production is bold, boasts impressive aesthetics, and emphasizes Riddick’s influence not only as an intriguing character but also as a charismatic rogue who can redefine an entire mythology.

Riddick (2013)

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Over nearly a decade, the third installment of the series titled “Riddick” simplifies its narrative once more, centering around the character of “Riddick” who finds himself stranded on an unforgiving planet, struggling to survive. Isolated and without assistance, Riddick’s self-made escape plans are disrupted by two opposing groups of hunters, each with unique motivations for pursuing him. Caught between these adversaries, Riddick must rely on his fortitude and acquired skills to navigate this perilous situation.

In a more straightforward take, it can be said that the new Riddick movie adopts a simplified style, which is commendable, but it’s not simply a rehash of Pitch Black. Though it does feature frightening creatures unleashed in an intense third act, the film’s essence lies more in its space Western genre rather than being a traditional monster movie. Riddick continues his role as the outlaw with a hidden goodness, pursued by those who wish him harm, and we witness his cunning strategies to evade and outsmart his captors. The epic scale of Chronicles has been replaced by a more authentic portrayal of the character’s core.

The future of the Riddick franchise

Discussions about another Riddick movie have been ongoing since the initial film was released, and finally, in 2024, production on the fourth installment, titled “Riddick: Furya,” began with Vin Diesel and director David Twohy at the helm. For those not familiar, “Furya” is Riddick’s home planet, a place he’s been trying to stay away from. However, in this new chapter of the saga, Riddick will be forced to return to his homeworld and find his people engaged in a fierce battle against a new enemy that could alter everything. No release date for the film has been announced yet, but with shooting having just commenced, we should hear more updates soon.

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2025-01-31 00:02