Fans of the Sicario franchise have reason to celebrate as Sicario 3 gains significant momentum. The news, initially reported by Ecranlarge, confirms that the sequel, which has faced numerous delays and uncertainties, is now slated to begin filming as early as 2027.
Taking the helm as director is Padraic McKinley. McKinley, known for his recent work on The Weight (also released as Les Contrebandiers), starring Russell Crowe and Ethan Hawke, steps into a role that has seen much speculation. Previous rumors linked big names like Denis Villeneuve, director of the critically acclaimed first Sicario, and Christopher McQuarrie to the project. Villeneuve was occupied with his Dune saga, while McQuarrie's involvement was ultimately short-lived.
Perhaps the most exciting news for many is the return of the original powerhouse trio: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, and Benicio del Toro. Emily Blunt, whose character Kate Macer was central to the first film's narrative, was notably absent from the second installment, Sicario: Day of the Soldado. Her return, alongside Brolin's Matt Graver and del Toro's enigmatic Alejandro Gillick, is expected to bring the series back to its intense, character-driven roots.
However, a major creative shift has occurred behind the scenes. While Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed writer of the first two films and creator of Yellowstone, was previously reported to have penned a script for Sicario 3, it is now Steven Knight, the visionary behind Peaky Blinders, who will be handling the screenplay. This development comes as a surprise, given earlier reports from outlets like Variety. The exact reasons for Sheridan's departure are unclear, though his packed schedule with numerous television projects and a Call of Duty film for Paramount may have played a role. It is Knight's latest draft that reportedly convinced the lead actors to commit to the project, with the writer and director McKinley currently refining the script based on their input.
The original Sicario, released in 2015, garnered critical praise for its visceral portrayal of the drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border, grossing nearly $85 million worldwide against a $30 million budget. Its 2018 sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, directed by Stefano Sollima, received a more mixed reception and saw a slight dip in box office performance, earning $75 million on a budget between $35 and $45 million.
Despite the significant progress, Sicario 3 is still seeking a studio. Lionsgate distributed the first film, while Sony handled the U.S. distribution for the second. The project is reportedly being shopped around to various buyers, with several expressing interest. As of now, no official release date has been announced.