Sicario 3 Confirmed: Blunt, Del Toro, and Brolin Reunite for New Film

Key points

• Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, and Josh Brolin are set to reprise their roles in Sicario 3, with Blunt returning after missing the 2018 sequel.
• Padraic McKinley, director of The Weight, has been selected to helm the film after a thorough search involving both producers and the lead cast.
• Oscar nominee Steven Knight is writing the screenplay, having previously penned a draft for the project.
• Black Label Media and Thunder Road are producing the film, with Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill, Thad Luckinbill, Basil Iwanyk, and Erica Lee serving as producers.
• Lionsgate released the first two films, but the third installment is being shopped to multiple studios, with several showing interest in the package.

Background

The Sicario franchise began in 2015 with a surprise hit that launched Denis Villeneuve as a top-tier director. The sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, was released in 2018, featuring Del Toro and Brolin. The franchise has earned over $160 million globally, and its popularity has grown over the years, leading to increased interest in a third installment.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline, TheWrap, and The Playlist all confirm the return of the original cast and the involvement of Padraic McKinley and Steven Knight. Deadline emphasizes the thoroughness of the director search, involving both producers and the lead cast. TheWrap notes that Taylor Sheridan, who wrote the first two films, has since moved on to oversee a television empire for Paramount+, and that various writers, including Christopher McQuarrie and Erik Jendresen, previously attempted to write a third chapter. The Playlist highlights that Knight is also currently writing the new 007 entry for Denis Villeneuve, who directed the first Sicario film. All three sources agree on the production timeline and the involvement of Black Label Media and Thunder Road.

Why it matters

The confirmation of Sicario 3 marks a significant milestone for the franchise, which has grown in popularity since its inception. The return of the original cast and the involvement of a new director and writer signal a fresh direction for the series. The project's move to multiple studios indicates strong industry interest and potential for a successful release.

What to watch

Production is slated to begin early next year, with the project being shopped to multiple studios. The next steps will likely involve finalizing the studio deal and beginning pre-production activities.