Vin Diesel has recently seen his Hollywood career status switch from power player to precipitous and poised to plummet. Alliteration aside, the bloom is definitely off the rose when it comes to Diesel's Hollywood appeal.
Perhaps realizing that a change of pace is needed, Diesel has signed up for a courtroom drama. And that's not the only surprise. Legendary directory Sidney Lumet will be helming the project based on a true story about a mob henchman. When arrested for a crime, the mafioso is pressured to roll over on his mob bosses. Willing to neither be labeled a rat nor risk the ire of such dangerous men, the tough guy hatches a plan of his own. He defends himself in court rather than hire an attorney. And he wins. (David Mumpower/BOP)