2oth Century Fox has won the rights to Machete, Robert Rodriguez’s upcoming film based on the “faux” trailer of the same name featured in the 2007 box office dud Grindhouse. According to Nikki Finke of Deadline Hollywood, the $20-million film was purchased by Fox for $9 million upfront, with a big backend gross participation for director Robert Rodriguez (reportedly in the 10%-12% range).
Other studios interested in the project included Sony, Lionsgate, Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures and the Weinstein Co.
Rodriguez co-directed the film with Ethan Maniquis. Machete stars Danny Trejo in the leading role, with co-stars Robert De Niro, Michelle Rodriguez, Jessica Alba and Lindsay Lohan.