# Riddick

> 2013 film directed by David Twohy

**Wikidata**: [Q1960913](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1960913)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riddick_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/riddick

## Summary
*Riddick* is a 2013 science fiction action film directed by David Twohy, serving as the sequel to *The Chronicles of Riddick* (2004) and the second installment in the *Riddick* franchise. The movie stars Vin Diesel as Richard B. Riddick, a genetically enhanced antihero pursued by a corporate empire seeking to exploit his unique abilities. The film expands the *Riddick* universe with a dystopian corporate conspiracy and deeper exploration of Riddick’s backstory.

## Key Facts
- Directed by David Twohy and released on September 4, 2013.
- Stars Vin Diesel as Richard B. Riddick, the central character from *Pitch Black* and *The Chronicles of Riddick*.
- Produced by Interscope Communications and distributed by Universal Pictures.
- Budget was $38 million with a worldwide box office gross of $98,337,295.
- Runtime is 119 minutes.
- Genre classifications include science fiction, action, thriller, and adventure film.
- Followed by *Pitch Black* (2000) and preceded by *The Chronicles of Riddick* (2004).
- IMDb ID: tt1411250; Rotten Tomatoes: 58% critic score, 5.4/10 audience score.
- Wikidata ID: Q116757030; Wikipedia sitelink count: 36.
- Shot on 35mm film stock with practical effects and animatronics.
- Features a dystopian corporate setting and high-stakes action sequences.
- Tagline: "Fight Evil with Evil."
- Contains multiple technical identifiers and database entries, including P214: 313412012, P345: tt1411250, P444: 5.4/10, P646: /m/0gxrd70, and P905: 142305.

## FAQs
**What is the plot of *Riddick*?**
The film follows Richard B. Riddick, a genetically enhanced convict, as he is hunted by the powerful corporation Helios, which seeks to exploit his unique abilities. Riddick must evade capture while uncovering the truth behind his origins and the conspiracy surrounding Helios.

**Who are the main characters in *Riddick*?**
The main characters include Richard B. Riddick (Vin Diesel), a genetically modified antihero; Joss (Colm Feore), a ruthless corporate executive; and the Helios security forces, who hunt Riddick relentlessly. The film also features supporting roles from Karl Urban and Keith David.

**What makes *Riddick* significant in science fiction cinema?**
The film expands the *Riddick* universe beyond the survival horror elements of *Pitch Black*, introducing a more complex corporate conspiracy and deeper exploration of Riddick’s backstory. It also marked Vin Diesel’s transition from action star to a leading figure in science fiction franchises.

**How was *Riddick* received by critics and audiences?**
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with a 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it was a commercial success, grossing over $98 million worldwide. Its predecessor, *The Chronicles of Riddick* (2004), was less successful but maintained the franchise’s legacy.

## Why It Matters
*Riddick* matters as a pivotal expansion of the *Riddick* franchise, moving beyond the survival horror of *Pitch Black* into a broader science fiction narrative. The film’s success demonstrated that Vin Diesel’s character could transcend his action star persona and become a central figure in a sci-fi universe. Its blend of corporate intrigue, genetic experimentation, and high-stakes action established a template for future films in the genre. The franchise’s ability to evolve while maintaining its core themes of survival and moral ambiguity has made it a notable entry in modern science fiction cinema.

## Notable For
- Introducing the corporate conspiracy element that defines the *Riddick* franchise.
- Expanding the universe beyond the survival horror of *Pitch Black*.
- Marking Vin Diesel’s transition from action star to a leading figure in science fiction.
- Achieving commercial success despite mixed critical reception.
- Establishing a franchise that blends action, sci-fi, and thriller genres.
- Featuring practical effects and a gritty, atmospheric visual style.
- Creating a memorable antagonist in Joss (Colm Feore).
- Serving as a bridge between the original *Pitch Black* and the later *Riddick* film.

## Body

### Production and Release
*Riddick* was directed by David Twohy, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Kevin Brodbin. The film was produced by Tom Engelman through Interscope Communications, with Universal Pictures handling distribution. Principal photography took place in various locations, including Australia, which provided the film’s dystopian urban and industrial settings. The movie premiered on September 4, 2013, in the United States, with subsequent international releases throughout the year.

### Cast and Characters
The film features Vin Diesel in his breakout role as Richard B. Riddick, a genetically enhanced convict with enhanced physical abilities and a mysterious past. Colm Feore plays Joss, the ruthless CEO of Helios, who seeks to exploit Riddick’s powers. Karl Urban appears as a supporting character, while Keith David portrays a Helios scientist. Other notable cast members include Judi Dench as a corporate executive and David Koechner as a security officer.

### Plot and Setting
The story follows Riddick as he is hunted by Helios, a powerful corporation that has genetically modified humans for military and industrial purposes. Riddick must evade capture while uncovering the truth about his own origins and the conspiracy behind Helios. The film’s setting is a dystopian future where corporate power dominates, and Riddick’s unique abilities make him both a weapon and a target.

### Technical Specifications
The film has a runtime of 119 minutes and was shot on 35mm film stock. The creature designs were created by Patrick Tatopoulos, featuring practical effects and animatronics rather than extensive CGI. The film’s visual style emphasizes the oppressive, high-tech environment of Helios’ corporate world and the relentless pursuit of Riddick.

### Genre Classification
*Riddick* spans multiple genre categories, including science fiction film, action film, thriller film, and adventure film. Its classification as science fiction stems from its futuristic setting, genetic experimentation, and corporate conspiracy. The action elements involve high-stakes chases and combat sequences, while the thriller aspects derive from the constant tension and danger faced by Riddick.

### Franchise Development
The success of *Riddick* led to the development of additional films in the franchise. The sequel, *Riddick* (2013), expanded the universe further but was less commercially successful. The franchise also includes video games, animated features, and tie-in novels, establishing Riddick as a significant character in modern science fiction media.

### Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon release, *Riddick* received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its atmosphere and action sequences but criticism for its familiar plot elements. However, the film has since gained a cult following and is often cited as an influential work in the sci-fi action genre. Its success demonstrated that character-driven genre films could achieve commercial success and launch franchises, influencing subsequent science fiction action productions.

### Distribution and Marketing
Universal Pictures distributed *Riddick* in the United States, with international distribution handled by various partners. The marketing campaign emphasized the film’s action elements and Vin Diesel’s performance as Riddick. The tagline "Fight Evil with Evil" highlighted the moral ambiguity of the protagonist. The film’s poster art featured Riddick’s distinctive appearance and the oppressive corporate setting, establishing visual elements that would become iconic for the franchise.

### Technical Identifiers and Database Entries
The film is cataloged across numerous databases and platforms. Its IMDb ID is tt1411250, and it has entries in Rotten Tomatoes (58% critic score), Metacritic (5.4/10), and AllMovie. The film’s Wikidata ID is Q116757030, and it has extensive cataloging in library systems with Dewey Decimal classification 791.43 (for cinema/entertainment) and Library of Congress Classification PN1993-PN1999 (for motion pictures).

### Related Entities and Connections
*Riddick* is connected to several related entities in the film industry. It was produced by Interscope Communications, a motion picture production company founded in 1982. The film was distributed by Universal Pictures, an American film and distribution company founded in 1912. The movie belongs to several genre categories, including science fiction film, action film, adventure film, and thriller film. The United States served as the country of origin for the production.

### Cultural Impact
*Riddick*’s impact extends beyond its immediate commercial success. The film established Vin Diesel as a bankable action star and created one of science fiction’s most memorable antiheroes. The Riddick character’s distinctive appearance and unique abilities became iconic within the genre. The film’s blend of science fiction and action elements influenced subsequent productions in both genres, demonstrating the commercial viability of hybrid genre approaches. Its success also showed that mid-budget genre films could achieve both critical and commercial success when executed with strong character development and atmospheric tension.

## References

1. Letterboxd
2. The Movie Database
3. Riddick. Rotten Tomatoes
4. Freebase Data Dumps
5. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1411250/releaseinfo)
6. [Source](http://nmhh.hu/dokumentum/198182/terjesztett_filmalkotasok_art_filmek_nyilvantartasa.xlsx)
7. Virtual International Authority File
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10. Kinopoisk
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13. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
14. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2013&s_month=10&e_year=2013&e_month=10&pageID=2)
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16. Online-Filmdatenbank
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