Despite high hopes for the franchise's future, the best possible outcome for Taylor Sheridan's TV shows becoming some of the most popular on streaming. Sicario: Day of the Soldado was released in 2018, with Sheridan writing but Stefan's Sollima subbed in to direct.
It's been six years since the last Sicario film, as the sequel wasn't as well-received as the original. Sicario 3 has been confirmed to be in development, though casting and behind-the-scenes talent are unknown. Stars Josh Brolin and Emily Blunt both gave unsure responses when questioned about the sequel, though a report suggested that the script had been written. The delay could be the issue of rallying everyone amid busy schedules, as Blunt, in particular, has recently appeared in some big movies. One vital name could make a huge difference if he were attached to the project.
Sicario 3 Should Happen With Denis Villeneuve Directing
Denis Villeneuve's Return Could Elevate Sicrio: Capo
Denis Villeneuve has proven with Dune: Part Two that he's one of the most talented, popular, and sought-after filmmakers in the industry. The difference in quality between Sicario and Day of the Soldado alone can distinguish how much Villeneuve elevates the material, and he's certainly not afraid of doing sequels. While the original movie boasts a 92% Tomatometer, an astounding achievement for an action film, Day of the Soldado has a far lower 62% score. Especially given that the same talented writer was involved in both projects, this should be telling.
Day of the Soldado has a far lower 62% score
Bringing Villeneuve back for Sicario 3 could be the best path for the franchise, especially if they're hoping to conclude it as a trilogy. Villeneuve, who's been involved heavily with Dune as the writer, director, and producer, would be able to take a slight step back, given that he'd be sharing the pressure with Sheridan. He could provide Sicario 3 with the perfect cinematic flair to give it the unforgettable ending the crime series deserves. Alternatively, if the plan is to make more, he could at least help them get back on track.

Latest Sicario 3 Update Is Disappointing After Years Of Hope For The $160M Franchise Sequel
After the success of the first two films, fans are still hopeful for a potential Sicario 3. However, the latest news is not a positive sign.
Why Denis Villeneuve Making Sicario 3 Seems Impossible
Denis Villeneuve Already Has Multiple Movies In Early Development, Including Dune 3
In a perfect world, Denis Villeneuve could make every movie he wants, but he only has so much time. He's already committed to other projects, including Dune 3, a movie about nuclear war, and he's also been attached to the historical epic remake, Cleopatra. The 56-year-old director has a lot on his plate, and it seems unlikely at the moment that he'd return for another Sicario film, especially if it's planning to release in the next few years. However, if the delays go on long enough, nothing is impossible.
Other Directors Who Could Work For Sicario 3
Some Notable Filmmakers Could Replace Denis Villeneuve
Director |
Notable Movies |
---|---|
Christopher McQuarrie |
Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) |
David Fincher |
Se7en (1995), The Killer (2023) |
Steve McQueen |
Widows (2018) |
Daniel Goldhaber |
How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022) |
Rose Glass |
Love Lies Bleeding (2024) |
Jeremy Saulnier |
Green Room (2015), Rebel Ridge (2024) |
While losing Denis Villeneuve as a director is a devastating blow for Sicario 3, there are still some very enticing filmmakers who could deliver a brilliant third movie in the thriller franchise. One name that was previously linked to Sicario 3 was Christopher McQuarrie, who was reportedly working alongside Taylor Sheridan before moving on (via IndieWire). McQuarrie would have been a stellar choice given the intensity he has brought to the recent Mission: Impossible movies, but it is also surprising a director of his stature was considered.
If the plan is for Sicario 3 to go with a bigger name, one of the best options would be David Fincher. The stylish director has the ability to create a completely engrossing vibe for a movie, ratcheting up the tension to nearly unbearable levels, in movies like Se7en and The Killer. Oscar-winner Steve McQueen is also an exciting choice given what he delivered with his star-studded heist movie, Widows, in 2018.
However, it is more likely that the third movie will be looking for a lesser-known name who can still bring their own style while staying true to the other Sicario movies. Daniel Goldhaber is a possibility with his indie movie How to Blow Up a Pipeline, delivering a striking and intense experience despite a small budget. Rose Glass has also impressed a lot of people with her 2024 crime movie Love Lies Bleeding which fits into the same vibe as the Sicario movies.
While all of these choices are exciting, the best candidate for the job may very well be Jeremy Saulnier, who has recently earned a lot of acclaim for his intense Netflix thriller Rebel Ridge. Saulnier shows an incredible ability to tell a fast-paced and thrilling story that is lean, propulsive, and completely enthralling. While Rebel Ridge feels like a movie that can take Saulnier to another level in his career, he has also proven himself capable of telling brutal, gripping, and gritty thrillers in the past with the likes of Blue Ruin, Green Room, and Hold the Dark.
Sicario is a movie franchise created by Taylor Sheridan that follows former prosecutor-turned-assassin Alejandro Gillick as he and a team of FBI and CIA agents head to Mexico to put a stop to ruthless drug cartel leaders. The sequel continues Gillick's as he continues to conduct covert operations that often result in extreme conflict between the core characters in each film. Gillick's actual missions often contradict the "by-the-book" agents' assignments.
- Cast
- Josh Brolin, Daniel Kaluuya, Isabela Moner, Jeffrey Donovan