Josh Brolin has confirmed that Sicario 3 is indeed in development, providing a significant update for fans awaiting the continuation of the intense crime thriller series. While the film’s production is gaining momentum, questions remain about whether Denis Villeneuve, the director behind the first Sicario, will return for the third installment.
The Sicario franchise began in 2015 with Villeneuve’s gripping thriller, which explored the complexities of the U.S. war on drugs along the southern border. Starring Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin, the film received critical acclaim for its suspenseful storytelling and atmospheric direction. The sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, released in 2018 and directed by Stefano Sollima, shifted focus to the characters played by Brolin and del Toro, expanding the narrative though without Villeneuve or Blunt’s character.
Josh Brolin’s Revelations on Sicario 3’s Status
On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Brolin shared new details about the third Sicario film, admitting he initially doubted the project’s likelihood but now feels confident it will happen. When asked about Villeneuve’s involvement, Brolin responded with uncertainty regarding the director’s return. He said,
“Like I mentioned at some point, I don’t know, maybe just to be contrary. I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s never going to happen.’ And then the producers showed up and Molly and, you know, ‘That’s not true!’ Which is fine. And then I just heard recently that it’s very, very real. So, cool.”
—Josh Brolin, Actor
This statement marks the most definitive confirmation to date that Sicario 3 is actively moving toward production. Brolin’s remarks suggest that while the film’s future is assured, the question of Villeneuve’s director role remains open. With the filmmaker currently engaged in major projects like Dune: Messiah, fans should temper expectations for his return, although the possibility has not been entirely dismissed.
What This Means for the Sicario Franchise’s Future
The confirmation of a third Sicario film reignites anticipation for the franchise, which has been in a state of quiet development for several years. Although the lack of Villeneuve’s confirmed participation is a notable absence, the involvement of Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro is expected to anchor the project firmly within the series’ established world. Reports have also hinted at the potential return of Emily Blunt, which would reunite much of the original cast and satisfy longtime fans.
The sequel expanded on the original’s themes by focusing on cross-border violence and corruption, culminating with Alejandro (del Toro) surviving an ambush and mentoring a new Sicario. This plot thread opens numerous possibilities for Sicario 3 to explore the consequences of those events and deepen its portrayal of systemic issues within the drug war.
Potential Directions and Audience Expectations for Sicario 3
Given the mixed reception of Sicario: Day of the Soldado, many fans are eager for a third film that could restore the franchise’s critical acclaim by recapturing the atmosphere and intensity of Villeneuve’s original. While Villeneuve’s return would be ideal for some viewers, a well-crafted script and strong performances—especially from Brolin and del Toro—could still deliver a powerful and fitting conclusion to the trilogy.
The story is primed to continue addressing the harsh realities faced by the characters, with opportunities to examine further character development and the larger themes of corruption and violence that have defined the franchise. As production plans proceed, Sicario 3 holds the potential to revisit and expand this dark and compelling narrative, delivering closure that many fans have anticipated for years.
