Vin Diesel - Vin Diesel to star in Kojak remake

Vin Diesel to star in Kojak remake

Vin Diesel is to star as the titular TV detective in a big screen reboot of 'Kojak'.

The 45-year-old actor will portray the tough-talking New York Police Department cop - who was played by Telly Savalas on the 1970s CBS series - and he will also co-produce the motion picture alongside Samantha Vincent for their Universal-based One Race Films.

Neal Purvis and Robert Wade - who wrote the last five James Bond movies, including the recently successful 'Skyfall' - are penning the script for the project, Deadline.com reports.

Vin already bears a few resemblances to the legendary police officer - who could often be seen sucking on a lollipop - in that he also comes from New York and is bald.

The original TV series ran on CBS from 1973 to 1978 and Ving Rhames starred as the legendary lawman in a 2005 small screen remake which only lasted one series.

Vin recently wrapped on 'Fast 6' - the sixth installment in the 'Fast & Furious' franchise - which sees him reprise his role as street racer and fugitive Dominic Toretto.

The Hollywood star will also portray Richard B. Riddick for the fourth time in next year's 'Riddick', which will see him revisit the anti-hero he made famous in 2000's 'Pitch Black'.