Is DeNiro Going To Double-Cross ‘Machete’?

Of all of the fake trailers in “Grindhouse,” “Machete” was the one most talked about – mostly because Danny Trejo is such a fan favorite, thanks partially to his work in Robert Rodriguez’s films like “Desperado.” If rumors are to be believed, “Machete” is almost ready to start shooting (as well as slicing, blowing up, and generally kicking ass).

Bloody Disgusting has a “highly trusted” source stating that production on “Machete” will begin on July 28, starring Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Jonah Hill… and Robert DeNiro.

I’ll let that sink in for a second.

The rumor has DeNiro playing “Senator McLaughlin.” If “Machete” follows the same plot line as the faux trailer in “Grindhouse,” that would make DeNiro the Texas senator (played by Jeff Fahey in the trailer) who hires Machete to kill a rival senator, then double crosses the former Federale bad-ass.

No word yet if Cheech Marin will be reprising his role as Machete’s brother, a priest.

Ethan Maniquis will co-direct the film with Rodriguez, from Robert’s script. “Machete” is due out sometime in 2010.