Predators and a Machete

Today we have two news bits coming from Sin City director Robert Rodriguez. Variety is reporting that RR will finally make good on his promise to make a full length "Machete" film and will also be producing a prequel to the Arnold Schwarzenegger scifi film Predator for FOX called "Predators."

The first bit to this story is very pleasing. The faux trailer in Grindhouse was hysterical and I have hoped that Rodriguez would actually make a feature length version. RR will be working outside of any major studios and using his Trouble Maker Studios to film "Machete" which stars Danny Trejo. RR will be co-directing the film with his long time editor Ethan Maniquis. The two intend to begin lensing in June at Trouble Maker Studios in Austin Texas. If you have never seen the faux-trailer, Machete is a Mexican ex-Federale with a gift for wielding a blade, who hides out as a day laborer and is double-crossed by a corrupt state senator. No word whether "Machete" will be a direct-to-dvd liked originally planned or a theatrical release, but my money is on the first option. Call me ignorant, but I just don't see "Machete" being that big of a box office draw, eventhough I'd pay to see it on the big screen.

The second news scoop I am very skeptical about. Now while I loved the original Predator, I really don't know that we need a prequel. I love Robert Rodriguez too, but between "Red Sonja," "Barbarella" and now "Predators" I think RR should stick with his original ideas whether producing or directing. Why re-hash all of these old properties when he can come up with cool new material? RR is currently slated to direct "Nerveracker" which is from his original script along with looming "Machete" and the completed "Shorts" which looks funny enough for a kids movie and all of these titles are RR's original ideas. That said, I am sure that RR can bring something fresh and new to the Predator franchise, but for now I am unthrilled at the prospect of yet another, yawn, Predator film.

What say you? Have you seen the faux trailer for Machete? Does RR doing a prequel to Predator excite you? Strikeback...