Vin Diesel put his action hero muscles to work when he was given a live leopard to manhandle for a recent photo shoot.

The 45-year-old actor maintained his trademark cool as he kept a grip on the big cat with a nice thick leash.

The Fast and Furious star’s Facebook page was overrun with activity the moment he posted a snap of himself shirtless with the beast, on Wednesday.

Iron man: Vin Diesel kept hold of a live leopard for a photo shoot, on Wednesday

Famous for his muscular physique the Pitch Black star wore nothing but blue jeans – his briefs peeking above the low slung denim – and black leather boots.

The shirtless father-of-one showed off the corded muscles that wrapped around his shoulders and chest demonstrating just why his action-hero antics are in such high-demand.

Vin kept a hold of the feline with his right hand as he casually hooked his left thumb through the belt loop of his jeans – as if it was just another day’s work.

The action hero has a night off: Vin at the Nobu Berkley Square in London, in August

But contrary to the nonchalance he conveyed in the photograph the XXX star could not contain his excitement on his Facebook page.

Vin wrote on Wednesday: ‘The shoot for this summer’s PRESTIGE magazine cover, was one of the craziest photo shoots I have ever done.’

The baritone voiced actor continued as if he could not believe it himself: ‘After the big cat escaped… the four handlers secured the full grown Leopard, and then, gave me the leash.’

He added, in a playful tone: ‘P.S. It must be an Animal thing.’

Busy man: The actor is set to reprise his role as Riddick later this year, pictured in London in September

Vin has two films slated for release later this year that will delight fans who are hungry for him to continue some of his most well-loved franchises.

He is set to star with Dwayne Johnson, Paul Walker, and Michelle Rodriguez in the sixth installment of Fast & Furious.

And later this year he will reprise the role that made him famous in Riddick, co-starring Karl Urban.