FILMS THAT SHOULD BE MADE: PREDATORS 2
It’s been almost two years since the release of Predators. As Prometheus rolled into theaters this weekend I couldn’t help but think, where is our Predators sequel? Robert Rodriguez and director Nimród Antal had been talking mentions a string of new Predator films being but have since moved on to other projects. 20th Century Fox had invested $40m for the production which ended up making around $150m in box office and DVD/BluRay sales. Not bad for a low budget action flick but they’ll likely have to amp things up for the studio to be willing to shell out more money.
“[The first film] sets up a new storyline, new location and world, and then you can really go crazy from there….[The studio] said, ‘Let’s do some other ones. What other story ideas do you have?'” says the filmmaker. “Because it was like, let’s test out the market with this one. They really wanted it to be pretty contained, pretty scaled-back. They didn’t want to put too many of the ideas into it that we could save for a second one. So we could see what the appetite was, because the bigger movie would actually be what comes following that. That kind of sets up a new storyline, new location and world, and then you can really go crazy from there.”
PREDATOR WAR: One thing that was hinted at during Predators is a full scale war among the predator clans. We saw a bit of this clash between the two predators and the tail-end. Predator culture for the most part has been a mystery to audiences. A sequel could explore this slightly more and a clash among clans would be something explosive to see.
There was an epic shot in the original trailer with Adrien Brody having a massive amount of predator laser targets lit up on him. This would later be revealed as a marketing trick as it ended up being only one target in the actual film. If we don’t see a war at the very least they can amp up the sequel by increasing the amount of predators running around ala Aliens.
HUMANS WITH PREDATOR/ALIEN TECH: With the predator camp wiped out their cloaking devices and weapons are open game. Robert Rodriguez’s original Predator sequel script (that didn’t end up getting used) included a group of humans using predator gear. This could be an interesting aspect seeing humans brought to the planet arming themselves with cloaking devices and weapons. Waiting for the next horde of hunters to land their ship. This had been teased with Noland banding together whatever scraps he could find over the years. I don’t see the AVP comics great source material but they have an interesting human/predator character Machinko.
THE RETURN OF DUTCH: Robert Rodriguez has stated that Predators would be a smaller film compared to the next film which would have bigger action sequences. It’s not saying much considering Predators showed it’s lack of budget from the get-go. The predators were really the draw of the film since they didn’t have a real action star to headline the picture. Schwarzenegger had originally been wanted for a role but would later go to Laurence Fishburne playing Noland. Arnold is now back grinding out action films and had originally announced plans to be involved with a Predator reboot when he exited the governor’s mansion.
“Well, first of all it’s more like 15 films, obvious ones from The Terminator to remakes of Predator and The Running Man and all of those things. Then also a lot of original stuff too. But I am also packaging a Comic Book character right now. I’m going to announce that sometime by the end of March or the beginning of April.”
His character Dutch factored in Robert’s Predator sequel spec-script but that screenplay was reworked for Predators. There had been a giant plot including Dutch being taken to the Predator homeworld to entertain the population in gladiator area pitted against deadly aliens. Producer John Davis had talked to Collider giving the impression that Arnold could be back for the next installment if it ever get’s made.
“If we were going to do it with Arnold; it was like, “Does it make sense to go back and to put him with a young team?” So maybe it’s 20 years later, you have retired, and you are the one person who has survived one of these encounters. Is that a reboot in the fact that you are in it with a group of young guys? Is that a reboot? You just have to figure out a way to reboot it. Rodriguez rebooted it. It’s all in the planet. The sequel to the first one rebooted it. We should’ve had Arnold in the movie. The deal broke down over $250,000, which is a shame. But it was moved from the jungle to the city. You have to create a freshness about it. When we did Alien vs. Predator we kind of rebooted it because we put the two pieces together. You just have to give it enough time to come up with a new freshness. It is what they did so brilliantly with Fast Five.”
RODRIGUEZ COULD DIRECT IN 3D: Although Nimród Antal directed the last installment Fox might concerned he won’t be able to amp up the action for the sequel. It might be a sticking point for Rodriguez to direct for the film to move forward. Fox will have a long wait on their hands as Robert will be shooting Machete Kills, Sin City 2: A Dame To Kill For and Fire And Ice this year alone.
“I haven’t talked to [20th Century Fox] in a while. I know they liked the idea of doing another one,” he explained. “I should probably call and check in. I’ve just been busy doing these other things.”
We’ve been seeing a rather large rise in R rated films getting the 3D treatment. Only a few are actually shooting in the format like Prometheus and the upcoming Dredd (Judge Dredd reboot). Robert had been a pioneer in the early days of the 3D revival and will be shooting Sin City 2 in the updated format. 3D conversations are usally giant studio cash-graps by boosting the ticket prices. However, a film like a Predators sequel could really optimize the experience if shot using that camera system.
Robert Rodriguez Says ‘MACHETE KILLS AGAIN’ Is A Space Opera With Space Babes And Lightsabers
From the little we know about Machete Kills, Mel Gibson’s character tries to launch a missile from space to cause a global war. This apparently will lead into the third film which for the most part will be set entirely in space. GordonAndTheWhale had confirmation that both Machete Kills and Machete Kills Again had both been greenlit at the same time. Back during Comic-Con last summer Robert Rodriguez revealed to MTV what’s in store for Machete Kills Again which will be a science fiction actioner set in space. Of course this won’t be next for Robert as he’s expected to shoot Sin City 2: A Dame To Kill For as soon as Machete Kills wraps. After Sin City 2, it’s Fire And Ice which then Robert will be busy editing and scoring the three films.
“It is a space opera. It does take place in space. Machete has to go into space,” Rodriguez confirmed. “It’s so absurd but it makes sense. You’ve got to go somewhere new in a third part — why not go into space? It’s going to be so fun. It’s played straight. Remember ‘Moonraker’? It’s going to be like ‘Machete’ and ‘Moonraker’…..You see him in a space shuttle,” Rodriguez told us. “The bad guy escapes the planet. ‘Part 3’ has to take place in space. Space babes, a machete-shaped lightsaber. You gotta have it!”
While Robert’s Troublemaker Studios produced Predators along with Planet Terror and the Spy Kids franchise having science fiction elements, he’s never made a full-fledged sci-fi movie. Rodriguez had previously tried to make Barbarella and The Jetsons films but both got the ol’ axe. He kept hope to jump into the genre even creating his own original sci-fi concept Nerveracker which was his ode to Blade Runner, that also didn’t get traction.
Antonio Banderas Will Have A Cameo In ‘MACHETE KILLS’
During CinemaCon Spanish actor Antonio Banderas (Desperado, Haywire, Once Upon A Time In Mexico) spoke to MTV about whether or not he’d be joining the cast of Machete Kills. Antonio reveals he’ll have a cameo while being coy about the role but he does confirm it won’t be the return of El Mariachi. Banderas had a major breakout after starring in Robert Rodriguez’s Desperado which lead to iconic roles like Zorro. The rest of the cast includes Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, Mel Gibson, Amber Heard, Demian Bichir and Sofia Vergara which is starting to make it an action flick to excited for.
“I would love to. If Robert called me for anything, I would do it,” he said. “I’ve done six movies with him, he was at the beginning of my career, so he came to my house and explained to me a little cameo over here as he explains things like a little kid.”
“It’s a new character,” he elaborated, clarifying that he wouldn’t be reprising his role as El Mariachi. “But I cannot talk about it because it’s a very surprising character. If I do, I will completely jinx it, so I actually prefer [not to]. But it’s very interesting. The whole thing is a progressive character during the whole entire movie, but my participation is only in one side of it.”
Sofia Vergara Wanted To Play Mexican Madame In ‘MACHETE KILLS’
Variety reports that Columbian actress Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) is the latest possible addition to Robert Rodriguez’s Machete Kills. Sofia could end up playing a leather-clad Madame Desdemona, whose Mexican harlots have info that Machete needs. I think it would be awesome to see Sofia playing a whore-house madame and could give her more exposure for her budding film career. The rest of the cast would include Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, Mel Gibson, Amber Heard (Pineapple Express, Drive Angry) and Demian Bichir (Savages, A Better Life, Che).
Amber Head In Talks For Femme Fatale Role In ‘MACHETE KILLS’
Variety is reporting that Robert Rodriguez has set his eyes on Amber Heard for a femme fatale role in Machete Kills. Amber would play a “manulipative assassin code-named Miss San Antonio” she joins Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Jesscia Alba along with newcomers Mel Gibson and Demian Bichir (Che, Savages, A Better Life). Heard is an Austin, Texas native and has a connection with Rodriguez as she was rumored as a possible replacement (of Rose McGowan) in Robert’s axed Red Sonja remake. No word if this part was meant for Michelle Williams or even Lindsay Lohan.
‘MACHETE KILLS’ Plot Synopsis And Mel Gibson Confirmed As Villain
Variety confirms that Michelle Rodriguez will be returning for both Machete Kills and Fast Six. It’s unknown if Michelle will be playing her original role. Knowing Robert Rodriguez he could end up creating a completely new character for her to play. Jessica Alba is also expected to return but there is no word on if Lindsay Lohan is coming back as well. Production starts this month in Austin, Texas so we should be hearing more casting news soon.
They also reveal the complete synopsis of the film which sees Machete recruited by the U.S. government to stop a terrorist named Mendez the Madman, who is Mexico’s leading cartel dealer. Mel Gibson will be playing villain Luther Voz, a cunning arms dealer who aims to spread war across the globe by launching a missile from space. It will be interesting to see who they end up casting for the role of Mendez.
‘FIRE AND ICE’ Live-Action Reboot Next For Robert Rodriguez
HeatVision has word from Robert Rodriguez himself that his live-action reboot of Fire And Ice is moving forward quickly. It will be his next directoral effort after Robert completes production on Machete Kills this spring and Sin City: A Dame To Kill For this summer/fall. Fire And Ice is based on the fantasy themed from legendary animation director Ralph Baskhi (Fritz The Cat, Lord of Thr Rings, Cool World) and artist Frank Frazetta. Robert will be using similar visual technigues that were used to create the world of Sin City to bring this fantasy world to life.
“That’s in the works to go right into after Sin City, Frank Frazetta’s Fire and Ice,” Rodriguez said during a telephone interview in conjunction with the Blu-ray release of his 1994 telefilm Roadracers. “We’re almost done with the script; we’ve got it pretty much 70 percent there. I’m really excited about that one.”
“I think the timing is going to work out just right, and we’ll have a finished script in the next month or so,” he said. “So we can start lengthier preproduction and we can go right into preproduction — well, we’re actually in preproduction, sort of, or we’ve been doing a lot of the previsualization. But that would be the next thing after Sin City.”
Robert Rodriguez Teases Sin City 2
During a Facebook Live chat (via ThePlaylist) director Robert Rodriguez commented on his next film which he believe will be Sin City 2. It’s looking very doubtful that Rodriguez will be directing Deadpool. He still also has his science fiction action film Nervewracker in the works and could go as well. Yet Robert doesn’t call out the backup project by name so there could be still hope for Deadpool. I’m just wondering if Spy Kids 4 is really worth delaying other more interesting projects like Deadpool or Sin City 2? No offense to Rodriguez but I don’t think anyone who enjoyed Machete or Planet Terror will ever go see his kiddie flicks.
“Frank Miller and I are working on it,” Rodriguez said, with one caveat.”It’s slated to be the next one, but if the script is not ready, then we’ll have to move to the next one,”
Would Tarantino Step In To Direct Deadpool?
While it seems Robert Rodriguez’s involvement with Deadpool seems to be questionable at this point as he starts production on his Spy Kids reboot. It’s been long suggested that Quentin Tarantino has been on Ryan Renyold’s wishlist of directors to helm the unconventional comic book film. Now if Rodriguez, who is an excellent choice in his own right isn’t able to do it, could Quentin?
Knowing how Tarantino works he isn’t likely to work on something without writing it himself. He also has his plate full of projects which he is currently scripting. The only way I could see this working is that if Fox promises to finance a bunch of his films and allowing him to tweak the script to his liking. Tarantino is a massive fan of comics referencing Superman, Fantastic Four, Silver Surfer and Howling Commandos in his films. While I’ve been doubting the level of commitment Fox has to their superhero characters. The fact they were able to hire scorned director Matthew Vaughn to take on X-Men First Class and having open discussions with Darren Aronofsky to direct Wolverine 2 shows they are aiming for talented directors. I believe the only person that could actually talk Quentin into doing it is Rodriguez himself. Robert’s Troublemaker Studios should handle production no matter who directs. So I wouldn’t be surprised if Robert made a pitch to his longtime friend to take up on the unique comic property.
One case to support it being a possiblity is that in 1997 Joel Silver handed Tarantino a script for Sgt. Rock which was written by David Webb Peoples (Blade Runner, 12 Monkeys, Unforgiven) in the hopes he would direct. He was so thrilled about the project he started casting the film before it was even greenlit. This proves if anything if he’s excited enough for a project he’s willing change his methods. It of course never happened but it’s a glimmer of hope.
First Look: Predators’ Mr. Black
STYD has posted the first clear images of the new predator which will be seen in Predators.
Fox Offers Deadpool To Robert Rodriguez
The Playlist (via Production Weekly) have another great tidbit of “what if” Marvel news. PW reports that 20th Century Fox has sent out an offer to Robert Rodriguez to direct the Deadpool movie. Ryan Reynolds is expected to start pre-production on the film as soon as he finishes shooting Green Lantern. It’s been a pet project for the actor for years and has promised fans a faithful film. The studio came through hiring Zombieland writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick to pen the film’s screenplay. Now if they hire Robert Rodriguez to direct fans should rejoice. I’m curious if this means the film will rated-R.
So why it Robert perfect for Deadpool? I’ve been hoping the director would come on board but besides my own wishful thinking here are some good pro-points. Sin City is most likely the biggest example of why he is perfect. The film is beyond faithful to the source material to the point of turning the film into a living comic book. It would be the best way to regain the trust of scorned DP fans. What about helming big over the top humor fueled action film? He’s got that covered with his El Mariachi trilogy (El Mariachi, Desperado & Once Upon A Time In Mexico) which seems similar to the sense of humor in the comics. Even his new film Machete seems to be borrowing from his fantastic dark sense of humor. The film’s budget is another issue while Fox seems likely to spend $100-200 million on both Wolverine 2 and X-Men First Class it’s doubtful DP will get that kind of money. It’s plausible that the DP’s budget could end up in the $40-80 range which is common ground for Rodriguez. Filming and effects being done in house means he can work with small budgets.
Don’t hold you’re breath he’ll take the job. Robert is known for talking up and starting up film projects he never ends up making. Sin City 2 is the perfect example of one of his most anticipated movies but has been stuck in limbo for years. There is also the issue of projects currently in development which include Spy Kids 4, Neverwracker, Red Sonja (producing) and his epic sounding Fire & Ice adaptation. Rodriguez recently was approached by Fox to direct Rise of The Apes which he declined. He had previously developed blockbuster films that didn’t workout like Clash of The Titans, The Jetsons and even a remake of Barbarella which had costumes/sets ready to go. So just because an offer has gone out it doesn’t mean he’ll take it.
This sort of reminds of how Fox was able to wrangle Matthew Vaughn into directing X-Men First Class. They understand to be able to compete with Marvel Studios and DC Entertainment they’re going to have hire comic genre-vets to make sure the films are successful. I’m expect they’ll be able to come up with an attractive contract which might include future financing for Robert’s original films. Unlike Vaughn, Robert has a constructive working relationship with Fox. He recently co-wrote and produced Predators and the studio is distributing his pet project Machete. Troublemaker Studios most likely would handle the film’s production since their involvement in every Rodriguez project. Fans could be relieved that the special effects will be done properly not like the messy CGI in Wolverine.
Robert Rodriguez To Make Fire & Ice
Robert Rodriguez just talked with AICN announcing he has acquired the rights to Fire & Ice with the plan to make a live-action film at his Troublemaker Studios. I’m expecting that 20th Century Fox will be backing up the project’s distribution since they originally released it and not to mention their new working relationship with Rodriguez. The original was PG yet I could see it develop into more of a Conan style project. I’d love to think this could be his next movie but with the many films he has in development I’m not holding my breathe. Since the Spy Kids reboot, his original sci-fi actioner Nerveracker and Sin City 2 are all in development stages. Yet he did promise the film’s lead will be announced shortly.
“The awesome Ralph Bakshi and I have been working it out for a while, and it’s now a TROUBLEMAKER STUDIOS PICTURE. What’s cool is, unlike past projects that I’d get involved with that would get stalled for various reasons, I control the rights to this one. So it’s actually in my power to set it up and get it made, which wasn’t the case on other projects.”
CINEMA INVASION 