Sicario 3 Confirmed: Blunt, Brolin, and Del Toro Reunite for Trilogy Finale

Key points

• Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, and Benicio Del Toro are set to return for Sicario 3, reuniting the original cast for the first time since the 2018 sequel.
• Padraic McKinley, known for directing The Weight, has been selected to direct the film after a thorough search involving both producers and cast members.
• Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders and an Oscar nominee, is writing the screenplay, with plot details currently under wraps.
• Production is expected to begin at the top of next year, following a delay caused by the 2023 Hollywood writers' strike.
• The project is being shopped to studios, as Lionsgate, which released the first two films, is not attached to the third installment.

Background

The Sicario franchise began with the 2015 film directed by Denis Villeneuve, which grossed nearly $85 million worldwide. The 2018 sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, directed by Stefano Sollima, earned $75.8 million. Taylor Sheridan, the writer of the first film, had envisioned the series as a trilogy. Josh Brolin confirmed in August 2026 that a third film was in development. The project was delayed by the 2023 writers' strike, with producer Molly Smith stating in 2023 that the team was ready to proceed once the strike ended.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline reported that the cast had their own meetings with potential directors, with McKinley emerging as the most impressive candidate. IndieWire noted that landing Blunt at the height of her stardom is a significant achievement, especially since she was not originally contracted for a franchise. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted that the film is expected to be a trilogy capper for the world and characters originated by Taylor Sheridan. All three sources agree on the core cast and creative team, but Deadline provides more detail on the director selection process, while IndieWire emphasizes the significance of Blunt's return.

Why it matters

The confirmation of Sicario 3 marks a significant milestone for the franchise, which has been in development for years. The return of the original cast and the involvement of high-profile talent like Padraic McKinley and Steven Knight suggest a major studio release. The film's success could impact the future of the Sicario brand and the careers of its key players.

What to watch

The next step is to secure a studio partner for the project. Once a studio is attached, production is expected to begin at the top of next year. The script is currently being worked on by Steven Knight and Padraic McKinley, with notes from the stars. The film's release date has not been announced, but it is expected to be a major event in 2027 or later.