As a huge fan of Danny Trejo and Robert Rodriguez, I find it fascinating how the character of Machete has evolved throughout their collaborative filmography. Initially, Machete made appearances in the kid-friendly “Spy Kids” series as an affable uncle figure. However, it wasn’t until Rodriguez’s iconic grindhouse trailer that the R-rated, hard-hitting version of the character was born.
Back in 2010, Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis brought us the gritty R-rated action film “Machete,” with Danny Trejo brilliantly portraying the titular character. But here’s a fun fact: this isn’t the first time we’ve encountered Machete on the big screen! You see, in Rodriguez’s earlier, family-friendly “Spy Kids” films from the 2000s, Trejo also played a character named Machete. However, don’t let that fool you – those movies are light years away from the graphic violence, language, and nudity found in “Machete.”
As a long-time fan of Robert Rodriguez’s films, I was initially under the impression that “Machete” and “Spy Kids” existed in the same cinematic universe. However, after coming across an enlightening Reddit AMA with Rodriguez from 2014, my perspective has shifted dramatically.
In the 1990s, Rodriguez created the “Machete” character with Trejo in mind. However, Rodriguez didn’t get the chance to bring this project to life until much later, sharing this in 2007. When it was time for “Spy Kids,” Rodriguez chose to adapt the character for the family-friendly movie instead. Later on, Rodriguez decided to explore the R-rated version of “Machete.” The background story of how this came about is intriguing and complex.
How Machete got his solo movie
In 2007, following the completion of the “Spy Kids” trilogy and helming “Sin City,” Robert Rodriguez collaborated with Quentin Tarantino on “Grindhouse.” Advertised as a double feature, this project included a collection of fake trailers from filmmakers such as Rob Zombie and Edgar Wright. Eager to contribute, Rodriguez produced a trailer for a film called “Machete.” The captivating preview generated significant interest, ultimately motivating Rodriguez to produce a full-length version of the movie in 2010.
After its premiere, “Machete” gained unexpected success, bringing in approximately $46 million globally. The transformation of Danny Trejo from a jail inmate to an action hero was celebrated, with his performance in the movie receiving high acclaim. The film’s popularity paved the way for a sequel titled “Machete Kills,” which came out in 2013. It’s no wonder that the Machete character resonated with audiences, as Trejo himself sees it as being just as significant culturally as iconic figures like Batman or Superman.
In simpler terms, the addition of the “Machete” movies to the “Spy Kids” series brought some complexity. Although Machete appears in both worlds, the actors from “Spy Kids,” such as Daryl Sabara (Juni) and Alexa PenaVega (Carmen), took on new roles. In “Machete,” Sabara portrayed Julio, and PenaVega appeared as KillJoy in “Machete Kills.” However, the future of the franchise remains uncertain, despite past speculation about a possible third installment.
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2024-07-21 18:59