'Chronicles of Riddick' Sequel Shut Down Because of Money Problems

Production on Vin Diesel's latest movie, a sequel to “Chronicles of Riddick,” has come to an unexpected halt for serious money problems, after his own production company failed to make payments in due time.

“Riddick” was shooting in Montreal when this happened, TMZ has learned. The owner of the studio where the film was shot kicked everybody out after he was not paid rent.

He also made sure no one could come back on the premises without his permission by using the oldest trick in the book: he changed the locks.

“TMZ spoke with Michel Trudel – the owner of the Montreal studio where the new movie is being shot – who tells us he changed the locks and kicked everyone off the set Wednesday because the production company, One Race Films, has failed to pay up on time,” TMZ writes.

While it could be easy to say that it was the production company's fault, the e-zine underlines that One Race Films was actually founded by Vin Diesel, who acts both as the leading man of the pic and the producer.

TMZ says money issues have long plagued the latest “Riddick” installment – and continue to do so to this day.

“But Trudel isn't the only one griping about a paycheck – sources connected to production tell us several members of the crew have not been paid in over 2 weeks, and are very concerned about getting their money,” TMZ writes.

“Trudel tells us he's confident the situation will be resolved soon and he's more than happy to let production resume... as soon as he gets his money,” the e-zine further reports.

TMZ placed calls with Diesel's reps, but they weren't immediately returned.

“Chronicles of Riddick” first came out in 2000 as “Pitch Black,” and was followed by a sequel in 2004, called “The Chronicles of Riddick.”

No word yet on when the third installment was / is supposed to come out.