Action movie enthusiasts have good reason to celebrate as the gritty crime saga Sicario prepares for its long-anticipated third chapter. Actor Josh Brolin has revealed that Sicario 3 is officially moving out of development limbo and gearing up for production in the near future. Having portrayed CIA operative Matt Graver in both previous installments, the veteran actor shared the optimistic update during publicity efforts for Ridley Scott’s upcoming film The Dog Stars. His statement represents the most concrete confirmation yet regarding a project that has languished in pre-production uncertainty since 2018.
The Journey Out of Development Limbo
For years, the status of the third installment remained uncertain, leaving fans wondering if the franchise would ever return to the screen. Josh Brolin himself expressed cautious hope in previous interviews, acknowledging the strength of the concept while remaining noncommittal about timeline realities. His recent comments, however, mark a distinct shift toward certainty. The actor affirmed that the team has successfully cleared major development hurdles, paving the way for cameras to roll shortly. While concrete dates remain unannounced, his confidence signals that the long period of stagnation is officially over.
Key Creative Roles Remain Up in the Air
Despite the green light on production, several crucial creative positions behind the camera remain unconfirmed. Original director Denis Villeneuve, who established the stark, tension-filled visual language of the 2015 thriller Sicario, is unlikely to return. His current commitments to the Dune cinematic universe and an upcoming James Bond feature keep his schedule completely booked. Meanwhile, Stefano Sollima, who took the helm for the 2018 sequel Sicario: Day of the Soldado, has not been tied to the new project.
At one point, Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie was attached as a key creative partner. However, updates indicate he has stepped away due to a crowded production slate that includes a feature adaptation of Battlefield. Additionally, questions persist regarding screenwriter Taylor Sheridan, who penned the first two movies. Taylor Sheridan currently oversees a massive television portfolio, including Yellowstone spin-offs Dutton Ranch and Marshals, along with hit series like Landman, The Madison, Lioness, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown. Whether he found time to script this third venture remains undisclosed.
Story Direction and Expected Cast Members
Tentatively referred to under the working title Sicario: Capos, the upcoming movie is expected to continue the narrative threads left unresolved at the conclusion of Sicario: Day of the Soldado. That chapter ended with Benicio del Toro’s character, the lethal operative Alejandro Gillick, surviving a brutal attempt on his life and seemingly taking on a young apprentice.
Benicio del Toro is anticipated to reprise his iconic role alongside Josh Brolin. Fans also continue to speculate about whether Emily Blunt might return as FBI Agent Kate Macer, a character central to the original film who was absent from the second installment. Beyond the lead duo, actors Jeffrey Donovan and Raoul Trujillo stand out as the only other cast members to have appeared across both existing films in the franchise.
Looking Ahead After Years of Delays
The path toward Sicario 3 has been fraught with industry obstacles, including the 2023 Hollywood writers’ strike and various scheduling conflicts. Producers Molly Smith and Thad Luckinbill had repeatedly assured audiences that progress was occurring behind the scenes, though concrete updates remained scarce until now. With the first two entries delivering a combined global box office total of $160 million, financial interest in expanding the dark thriller universe has remained strong. While official casting announcements and release dates are still pending, Josh Brolin’s latest confirmation offers definitive proof that the long wait is approaching its end.
