When action heroes decide to give their biceps and machineguns a rest, they try to diversify into acting. Inevitably, their first serious step in this direction is the 'family comedy,' a genre made famous by such we-can-act beefcakes as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.

Now, Vin Diesel -- yes, he of The Fast And The Furious neon green motorcars -- is set to make his 'suitable for all audiences' debut with Disney's The Pacifier.

Much as the name, especially in conjunction with the shiny-headed star, might conjure up images of atom bombs going off and women in scanty fatigues diving for cover, this film revolves around an undercover agent compelled to protect a scientist and his family.

He decides to shield the kids, and finds out it's more of a task than anything he's ever had to deal with!

The film also stars Lauren Graham, Faith Ford, Brad Garrett and Nikki Shah.

11-year-old Nikki, who's from Indian origin, plays a girl scout in the film. She is a talented singer, and was selected at an audition in Toronto.

The Pacifier will release on March 4.

Here's a look at Vin with popular Disney mascot Gary the Duck at The Pacifier's premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Photograph: Getty Images