Deepika Padukone Will Play Female Lead In XXX: The Return of Xander Cage

Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone will play the female lead in XXX: The Return of Xander Cage, which will star Vin Diesel reprising his role as the thrill-seeking super-spy. Variety reports, "Padukone will play a a razor-sharp huntress who helps Cage during his latest mission."

"I am very excited. But I want to confess that I am very nervous. Most importantly I feel proud to be a part of a film where I get to flaunt my ethnicity," Deepika told The Indian Express. "The reason they are roping me is because of my background. I really hope that I do well in the movie and people go and watch it."

She'll join a cast that also includes UFC fighter Conor McGregor, Samuel L. Jackson, Jet Li, Tony Jaa, Nina Dobrev and Ruby Rose.

The film is being directed by D.J. Caruso (I Am Number Four, Disturbia).