We presume Robert Rodriguez didn't keep him waiting around for the script (ZING). Just over a week since it was reported that Rodriguez wanted Mel Gibson for a role in "Machete Kills," it looks like he got him.
Deadline reports that Gibson "is in" for a part in the upcoming sequel, which should briefly distract from the controversy about the whole Joe Eszterhas/still-an-anti-Semite/probably-needs-a-therapist/should-stay-on-the-pills controversy that flared up (again) earlier this month. It's also a nice way for Gibson to remind everyone that his upcoming, old school flavored action vehicle "Get The Gringo" is going to VOD next month. Maybe this will all build to remind people that Gibson is still a great entertainer? Maybe. At least until he yells at someone next. But he surely isn't wasting time in trying to rehab his image.
No word yet on what role he'll play in the tale that will find Danny Trejo hired by the U.S. government to head into Mexico to take down a cartel leader and madman billionaire who plan to launch a weapon into space. Also no word if Rodriguez has managed to lure Michelle Williams, who he also wants for a role, but it does look like Jessica Alba and Michelle Rodriguez are back as well. And while Gibson is an interesting get for the movie, don't expect it to change the box office. Audiences didn't care when "The Beaver" was released under similar conditions, and we're guessing his role will be a small one.
Either way, expect The Wrap to have a comment from Eszterhas about this casting soon as part of their non-stop, 24/7 Mel Gibson coverage.