Rodriguez is bringing back the Predator

Posted on April 27, 2009
Filed Under Actors, Directors, Remake, Sequel

We’re back again for another week full of movie news, rumors and the occasional celebrity gossip. Today the spotlight is shining on Mr. Robert Rodriguez. According to Variety, Rodriguez is ready to re-launch the Predator franchise and co-direct “Machete.” For the later, the filmmaker will create a feature out of the blade- wielding antihero who appeared in a mock trailer that was part of “Grindhouse.”

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. Rodriguez is looking at a June start date in Austin for “Machete,” with Danny Trejo starring as the title character.

Not immediately clear is whether Rodriguez will find a way to use the irresistible marketing slogan that appeared in the “Grindhouse” trailer: “This time, they f****d with the wrong Mexican.” It is the first non-studio movie that Rodriguez has directed since “El Mariachi” (1992).

Now, here comes the really interesting part… 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, wit little or no gross out the door.

Being a big fan of the original 1987 version with Arnold, and having watched how they since have massacred the franchise, I’m not bursting out in laughter of joy… Rodriguez, maybe you should just let it be?

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