Are Danny Trejo’s Machete and Spy Kids Movies In The Same Universe?

After completing the original “Spy Kids” trilogy and directing the visually striking “Sin City,” Robert Rodriguez collaborated with Quentin Tarantino in 2007 for “Grindhouse,” a film marketed as a double feature. As part of the “Grindhouse” experience, a series of fake trailers were crafted by various directors like Rob Zombie and Edgar Wright. Rodriguez contributed to this lineup by creating a trailer for “Machete.” This trailer resonated so well with audiences that it spurred Rodriguez to develop a full-length film, which was released in 2010.

Upon its release, “Machete” became a sleeper hit, grossing over $46 million globally. Danny Trejo, who transitioned from a troubled past as a prison inmate to becoming an action movie star, was lauded for his portrayal of the titular character. The film’s success led to a sequel, “Machete Kills,” which hit theaters in 2013. Trejo’s performance and the character’s appeal likely contributed to this decision, as Trejo himself asserts that Machete has a cultural significance comparable to iconic superheroes like Batman and Superman.

The “Machete” film added an intriguing layer to the “Spy Kids” saga. While Machete exists in both the family-friendly “Spy Kids” world and the more violent, R-rated universe of “Machete,” the blending of the two franchises didn’t stop at the character level. Actors from the “Spy Kids” series also appeared in the “Machete” films, albeit in very different roles. For instance, Daryl Sabara, best known for playing Juni Cortez in “Spy Kids,” took on the role of Julio in “Machete.” Similarly, Alexa PenaVega, who starred as Carmen in “Spy Kids,” appeared in the sequel “Machete Kills” as a character named KillJoy.

The future of the “Machete” franchise remains uncertain, although there were previous speculations about the possibility of a third installment. For fans who have been following this unique intersection of family-friendly and adult-themed action movies, any news of another sequel would undoubtedly be highly anticipated.

Source: ScreenRant, Looper