Vanessa Hudgens, Charles Melton join 'Bad Boys 3'

Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Vanessa Hudgens, Charles Melton and Alexander Ludwig have been cast in Sony's upcoming action sequel Bad Boys for Life which stars a returning Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

The trio are set to portray a highly specialized police unit that clashes with Smith and Lawrence's more old school characters Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett when a new threat comes to Miami, Variety reported.

Hudgens, who stars opposite Jennifer Lopez in new comedy Second Act, confirmed her casting on her Instagram story on Thursday writing "Stoked!!!!"

Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are set to direct Bad Boys for Life in place of Michael Bay who helmed the first two films in the series. Jerry Bruckheimer is back as a producer, with Smith and Doug Belgrad also serving as producers.

Production on the film is expected to begin in January. Bad Boys for Life is set for release on Jan. 17, 2020.

Melton is known for his role as Reggie on The CW's Riverdale and Ludwig is known for portraying Bjorn on History's Vikings.