Karl Urban, better known as Eomer in "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," is set and Thandie Newton is negotiations to join the cast of Universal Pictures' "Chronicles of Riddick" for writer-director David Twohy, Radar Pictures and One Race Prods.

Production begins June 9 in Vancouver, with Vin Diesel, Judi Dench and Colm Feore also starring.

"Riddick" continues the adventures of intergalactic prisoner Riddick, a character first introduced in the 2000 film "Pitch Black." The second installment finds Riddick, now a hunted man, in the middle of two opposing forces in a major crusade. Feore plays Lord Marshal, a warrior priest who is the leader of a sect that is waging the 10th and perhaps final crusade 500 years in the future. Dench portrays Aereon, an ambassador from the Elemental race. She is an ethereal being who helps Riddick unearth his origins. Urban will play Vaako, a military commander under Lord Marshal. Newton will play Dame Vaako.

Scott Kroopf, Tom Engelman and Diesel are producing the project. Ted Field, George Zakk and Peter McGregor Scott are executive producing. Universal president of production Scott Stuber, senior vp Donna Langley and director of development Jeffrey Kirschenbaum are overseeing.

The project reunites Newton with Universal, for which she most recently starred in "The Truth About Charlie."

Urban, repped by CAA, Brad Schenck of Thruline Entertainment and Colden McKuin Frankel, next stars in "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." His credits also include the feature "Ghost Ship."

Newton, repped by CAA, next appears in RKO Pictures' "Shade." Her credits also include "Mission: Impossible 2" and "Beloved."