After 16 years, fans still anticipate Machete 3. Rodriguez and Trejo hint at a potential project, with unresolved funding issues.
The Machete film series, created by Robert Rodriguez, began as a cleverly packaged joke within the 2007 double-feature Grindhouse, which Rodriguez co-directed with Quentin Tarantino. Among a series of fake trailers, Rodriguez's Machete stood out, resonating with audiences eager for a full-length feature. The overwhelming fan reaction to this short, originally intended as a parody, saw the release of the first Machete movie in 2010, marking the beginning of a beloved action franchise.
Grindhouse introduced multiple fake trailers, including Machete, which laid the groundwork for a burgeoning franchise. The initial film, featuring Danny Trejo as the titular character, opened on September 3, 2010, and grossed $45.5 million globally on a budget of $10.5 million. The comedic yet brutal narrative centered around Machete as a wronged ex-Federale seeking vengeance against corrupt politicians, capturing the hearts of audiences and setting the stage for future sequels.
Following the film's success, a sequel titled Machete Kills was released on October 11, 2013, featuring an ensemble cast that included Lady Gaga and Mel Gibson. However, despite a larger budget of $20 million, Machete Kills only managed to collect $17.5 million worldwide at the box office. This disappointing return led many to question the feasibility of producing a third film, prompting Rodriguez and Trejo to reassess their vision for the franchise.
Even with the franchise's financial challenges, the creative team remains committed to completing the Machete saga. A faux trailer for a third film, titled Machete Kills Again… In Space, appeared at the end of Machete Kills, suggesting an intergalactic conclusion filled with “lightsaber machetes and futuristic clones.” Originally meant as a gag, the notion has gained traction due to persistent fan interest. In a September 2024 interview, Trejo expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the role, emphasizing that he is still physically fit to take on the action. Rodriguez has acknowledged this fan pressure and confirmed that while the concept began as a playful notion, the desire for a third installment remains strong.
Despite ongoing financial concerns stalling any formal announcement regarding Machete Kills Again… In Space, both Rodriguez and Trejo maintain enthusiasm for the project. Fans continue to show sustained passion for the franchise, demanding a trilogy conclusion that honors its unique blend of action and humor. The future of Machete 3 remains uncertain until a studio decides to back the venture, yet the legacy of Machete endures, combining nostalgia with an ongoing call for its long-anticipated finale.
Read more about the Machete franchise's impact on cinema in our previous articles, such as Jason Statham's 'Crank' Celebrates 20 Years: A Look Back and Judge Judy Celebrates 30 Years with CBS Primetime Special.
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