Danny Trejo returns to work with the brilliant Robert Rodriguez for the upcoming sequel, Machete Kills, the second in what is set to be a trilogy that all began with a fake trailer.

The film has now been acquired by Open Road Films for US distribution sometime next year, and along with that announcement comes the first official image.

“Danny Trejo returns as ex-Federale agent MACHETE, who is recruited by the President of the United States for a mission which would be impossible for any mortal man – he must take down a madman revolutionary and an eccentric billionaire arms dealer who has hatched a plan to spread war and anarchy across the planet.”

Trejo reprises his role alongside a fantastic cast of new and familiar faces alike, joined by Amber Heard, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez, Sofía Vergara, Alexa Vega, Mel Gibson, Charlie Sheen, Lady Gaga, Demian Bichir, Cuba Gooding, Jr., and Vanessa Hudgens – essentially, one of the most brilliant and diverse casts of next year.

Rodriguez is directing from his own script, so naturally, you know it’s going to be good.

Machete Kills is currently without a confirmed release date in the UK or US, but with the film now picked up for North American distribution, we’ll hopefully have a date for the latter soon, and with any luck, we’ll be getting it here in the UK at the same time. For now, here’s the brilliant first official image from the film, which you can click to enlarge.