Robert Rodriguez Working on ‘Predator’ Reboot, ‘Machete’

Earlier reports that famed director Robert Rodriguez was looking to reboot the classic 1987 “Predator” film have just been confirmed by Variety. Not only will Rodriguez helm the reboot, but he’ll be doing so based on his own script. At the same time, he will also be co-directing a long feature film “Machete,” based on the mock trailer that came attached to “Grindhouse,” the same publication informs.

A “Predator” reboot was a long way coming, fans of the horror genre and critics alike have been saying. Initial reports had it, back in January, that Rodriguez was interested in trying his luck with the franchise, especially since neither the sequel to the ’87 hit nor the two other reboots failed to catch on with the audiences as expected. Variety now confirms that Rodriguez will actually have his chance at trying to make it work – moreover, reports that there will be more than one predator have also been confirmed.

“For Fox, Rodriguez has scripted ‘Predators,’ a film that will bring back the dreadlock-sporting alien hunter who originated in the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger hit ‘Predator.’ While a sequel didn’t become a hit, Fox kept the alien sharp by launching the ‘Alien Vs. Predator,’ a wildly profitable series that has racked up strong grosses and DVD sales, with little or no gross out the door.” the movie-oriented publication says.

“Predator” will not be the only project on Rodriguez’s plate either, since he will also be busily working on co-directing a long feature film called “Machete,” also based on his own script. Starring the easily recognizable Danny Trejo, the film will be inspired from the faux trailer that accompanied “Grindhouse” upon release, Variety adds.

“The filmmaker will create a feature out of the blade-wielding antihero who appeared in a mock trailer that was part of ‘Grindhouse.’ Rodriguez is eyeing a June start date in Austin for ‘Machete,’ a film that is financed and produced by Overnight Productions, with Danny Trejo starring as the title character. Machete is a Mexican ex-Federale with a gift for wielding a blade, who hides out as a day laborer, who is double-crossed by a corrupt state senator.” the same publication informs.

Rodriguez will co-direct with longtime editor Ethan Maniquis, while production for the film will also be handled by Rodriguez, via his Overnight Productions, as noted above.