Fans of Taylor Sheridan’s work face new challenges as Sicario: Day of the Soldado, the 2018 sequel to the acclaimed neo-Western thriller Sicario, has been removed from streaming platforms, including Prime Video as of February 1. This change means the film is no longer accessible for free online, forcing viewers to rent or purchase it through digital video-on-demand (PVOD) services if they wish to watch it at home.
Written by Taylor Sheridan, both Sicario and its sequel continue to explore drug cartel conflicts on the U.S.-Mexico border, but unlike the original 2015 film directed by Denis Villeneuve, the follow-up did not receive the same level of critical acclaim. Sicario: Day of the Soldado holds a 62% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with many critics dismayed by the absence of Emily Blunt’s character and a plot that was seen as less compelling than the original.
Sicario 2’s Reception and Box Office Performance
Compared to its predecessor, the sequel had a weaker commercial and critical impact, earning approximately $76 million worldwide versus the original’s $84 million. This downturn in reception and earnings has contributed to uncertainty around the continuation of the Sicario franchise, with production of a third installment remaining irregular despite ongoing claims from Sheridan that it will proceed.
Taylor Sheridan’s Expanding Role in Hollywood
Since Sicario, Sheridan has rapidly risen to prominence in Hollywood, becoming one of the most sought-after writers. His success particularly soared with the launch of Yellowstone, giving him significant creative freedom and leading to multiple projects under Paramount Pictures, including Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, and Special Ops: Lioness.
Several Yellowstone spinoffs are currently in development. Y: Marshals, which follows Luke Grimes’s character Kayce Dutton, is first in line, along with The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, and Dutton Ranch, focusing on fan-favorites Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. Additional series are underway, like one centered around the Four Sixes Ranch introduced in Yellowstone.
The Future of Sheridan’s Projects Amid Studio Changes
Despite his ongoing Paramount commitments, Sheridan is preparing for a major transition. In 2025, he inked a rumored $1 billion deal with NBCUniversal set to begin after 2029 when his current obligations with Paramount conclude. This arrangement suggests that Sheridan may step away from overseeing his existing series after that point and shift his efforts toward new projects, likely for Peacock.
Meanwhile, Sicario: Day of the Soldado remains unavailable to stream for free on any platform, though the original Sicario continues to be accessible on Peacock.
Principal Cast of Sicario: Day of the Soldado
The sequel featured a strong ensemble cast bringing Sheridan’s screenplay to life, including Josh Brolin as Matt Graver, Benicio Del Toro reprising his role as Alejandro Gillick, Isabela Merced as Isabel Reyes, and Jeffrey Donovan portraying Steve Forsing.
“Taylor Sheridan’s work has transformed the neo-Western genre and created expansive universes with his writing.” ?Industry Analyst
“The removal of Sicario: Day of the Soldado from streaming platforms frustrates fans eager to access the full saga of the franchise.” ?Entertainment Reporter
