With Robert Rodriguez seeming to operate on an ever-increasing wave of meta-filmmaking, in which off-hand pop culture jokes turn suddenly into reality, it's difficult to imagine his projects actually happening until they're released in theatres. Such is the case with “Machete Kills,” his sequel to the 2010 Danny Trejo actioner, but as a few new updates from both cast and behind-the-scenes crew show, it's definitely a reality indeed.
The program "Extra" recently found an opportunity to visit the set in Austin, Texas, and was able to sit down for a chat with both Rodriguez and one of the more surprising additions to the cast, Mel Gibson. It's revealed that Gibson was in town for just a week filming his scenes, but the actor's role is certainly more than just a mere cameo. “He's an evil genius, kind of like a Bond villain, but also a gourmet chef,” Gibson said, adding some extra descriptors to his role as an arms dealer looking to launch a weapon into space, to the obvious disagreement from the U.S. government who hires Machete (Trejo) to stop him. Backing him up is a largely female-centered cast, which includes Michelle Rodriguez, Amber Heard, Alexa Vega, Sofia Vergara, Zoe Saldana, Jessica Alba and Demián Bichir.
Also starring in the film is “Shawshank Redemption” actor William Sadler, and to celebrate his involvement in the film, he tweeted a lobby card featuring his character, Sheriff Doakes, earlier this weekend. Alongside Lady Gaga's similar poster following her casting announcement last week, and with Charlie Sheen playing the President battling an unhinged Gibson (double negative?), it's clear Rodriguez is aiming to best the first installment's insanity in any way possible. However, seeing how easily Robert DeNiro was wasted in that film, it will take a lot more to convince us “Machete Kills” could be a worthwhile return to the screen for Trejo's badassery, once it manages to hit theaters.
