MACHETE KILLS To Have Faux Trailer For MACHETE KILLS AGAIN IN SPACE?

Robert confirmed over the summer that Machete Kills Again In Space would also go into production. The third sequel would involve Machete Cortez in a science fiction actioner in the vein of Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall (originally shot in Mexico City). He told Vulture over the summer that he was going to shoot a faux trailer for Machete Kills Again (Machete In Space) which could be attached to the opening or end of Machete Kills. I assume this trailer would be a way to get more funding for the film which would need a bigger budget than previous installments.

Rodriguez confirmed that both Machete sequels are greenlit, but before he makes the second film, Machete Kills, he'll produce another fake trailer for the improbably named third film, Machete Kills Again … in Space. (Fitting, since the first Machete originated as a fake trailer sandwiched in the middle of Grindhouse.) "I think it's going to get people excited about Machete again," Rodriguez said, promising "a light-saber machete, space-babes … it'll be kind of like Moonraker!" We humbly suggested that the second, earthbound Machete might pale in comparison after audiences glimpse Rodriguez's antihero carving up baddies in space, but the director laughed, "There's kind of a reason why the trailer has to come first, which you won't know until you see the second one. But I wanna see that one right now, too!"

SPECULATION: Could 'MACHETE KILLS' End Up A Bond-Style Sci-Fi Actioner?

It's looking like the original plot synopsis for Machete Kills was a total fake. Robert Rodriguez tells Empire the whole thing was a to mislead. In fact he states no cartel leader is even involved a departure from the original film. He went on to say that the film still involves space and they're giving him a bigger playground. I get the impression that a space station/prison or off-world colony could be involved here. Robert fell in love with the idea of Mexicans in space, previously stated that Machete Kills Again would end up in space with babes and lightsabers. Moonraker was mentioned as an inspiration for Machete Kills Again and Bond is mentioned for this film. Could Machete Kills be moving into the science fiction genre early?

“That synopsis we put out is misdirection — it’s all fake. Machete is recruited by the President, that’s true, but there’s no cartel leader and the weapon in space is just one of our early story ideas."


"There is still a space element, for sure. We’ve given the character a much bigger playground. It’s going to be like a James Bond movie, with a Bond-style villain.”

A release date has been given for Sin City 2: A Dame To Kill For which will shoot later this year. However, Machete Kills which begins production soon has a full cast yet zero release date set. The impression I get is that a lot of special effects will be involved, Rodriguez is famous for the sheer volume of in camera effects. So this helps the speculation that this might be more science fiction focused than previously believed.

It could be possible Robert and the gang are putting the big guy into space earlier than expected. The writer/director has always had an obsession with the genre. The Spy Kids franchise has always had multiple sci-fi aspects. Barbarella was going to be Robert's first full-on science fiction film, it had sets and costumes ready to go but the studio pulled the plug at the last minute. Robert was also set for a live-action Jetsons movie which also never came together. One of his dream projects was a Predator sequel which he wrote back in the 90's. Fox would hire him to write and produce Predators which was oddly enough was a solid successful effort with a second installment in the works. Planet Terror was the closet thing we've gotten from Robert which also had sci-fi plot points but was more of remake of the Italian horror film Nightmare City.

The man on a presidential mission theme leads back to Robert's nature for homages. Perhaps this will be a call back to John Carpenter's Escape From New York? Rodriguez has stated when he saw Escape From New York at age 12 he wanted to become a director. It wouldn't be hard to see Machete fighting his way out of a massive prison colony on earth or off-world.

The madame character played by Sofia Vergara gives me thoughts of Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall which had late 80's Mexico City doubling as as futuristic city. Mexico was also the stage location for Mars and the notorious Venusville which was filled with bars/whorehouses.

Robert Rodriguez Says 'MACHETE KILLS AGAIN' Is A Space Opera With Space Babes And Lightsabers

From the little we know about Machete Kills, Mel Gibson's character tries to launch a missile from space to cause a global war. This apparently will lead into the third film which for the most part will be set entirely in space. GordonAndTheWhale had confirmation that both Machete Kills and Machete Kills Again had both been greenlit at the same time. Back during Comic-Con last summer Robert Rodriguez revealed to MTV what's in store for Machete Kills Again which will be a science fiction actioner set in space. Of course this won't be next for Robert as he's expected to shoot Sin City 2: A Dame To Kill For as soon as Machete Kills wraps. After Sin City 2, it's Fire And Ice which then Robert will be busy editing and scoring the three films.

"It is a space opera. It does take place in space. Machete has to go into space," Rodriguez confirmed. "It's so absurd but it makes sense. You've got to go somewhere new in a third part — why not go into space? It's going to be so fun. It's played straight. Remember 'Moonraker'? It's going to be like 'Machete' and 'Moonraker'.....You see him in a space shuttle," Rodriguez told us. "The bad guy escapes the planet. 'Part 3' has to take place in space. Space babes, a machete-shaped lightsaber. You gotta have it!"

While Robert's Troublemaker Studios produced Predators along with Planet Terror and the Spy Kids franchise having science fiction elements, he's never made a full-fledged sci-fi movie. Rodriguez had previously tried to make Barbarella and The Jetsons films but both got the ol' axe. He kept hope to jump into the genre even creating his own original sci-fi concept Nerveracker which was his ode to Blade Runner, that also didn't get traction.

Amber Head In Talks For Femme Fatale Role In 'MACHETE KILLS'

Variety is reporting that Robert Rodriguez has set his eyes on Amber Heard for a femme fatale role in Machete Kills. Amber would play a "manulipative assassin code-named Miss San Antonio" she joins Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Jesscia Alba along with newcomers Mel Gibson and Demian Bichir (Che, Savages, A Better Life). Heard is an Austin, Texas native and has a connection with Rodriguez as she was rumored as a possible replacement (of Rose McGowan) in Robert's axed Red Sonja remake. No word if this part was meant for Michelle Williams or even Lindsay Lohan.

Demian Bichir In Talks For 'MACHETE KILLS'

It looks writer and director Robert Rodriguez is looking to pull out all the stops with Machete Kills. Variety reports that Oscar nominated actor Demian Bichir is in talks for a supporting role. The Mexican actor was nominated for Best Actor at the 2012 Oscars for his powerful performance in the film A Better Life. He might be best known for his role on Weeds but has also starred in films like Che and the upcoming Oliver Stone film Savages. Bichir's role is currently unknown but it wouldn't hurt to cast him in the second meaty villain role as murderous cartel head Mendez. Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez and Jessica Alba are returning with Mel Gibson set to play an arms dealing villain. Michelle Williams was also wanted for a supporting role but there's no word on the that development just yet.

'MACHETE KILLS' Plot Synopsis And Mel Gibson Confirmed As Villain

Variety confirms that Michelle Rodriguez will be returning for both Machete Kills and Fast Six. It's unknown if Michelle will be playing her original role. Knowing Robert Rodriguez he could end up creating a completely new character for her to play. Jessica Alba is also expected to return but there is no word on if Lindsay Lohan is coming back as well. Production starts this month in Austin, Texas so we should be hearing more casting news soon.

They also reveal the complete synopsis of the film which sees Machete recruited by the U.S. government to stop a terrorist named Mendez the Madman, who is Mexico's leading cartel dealer. Mel Gibson will be playing villain Luther Voz, a cunning arms dealer who aims to spread war across the globe by launching a missile from space. It will be interesting to see who they end up casting for the role of Mendez.

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