Full Breakdown
Sicario 3 Confirmed: Production Set to Start “Soon”
8/23/2026, 2:18:50 AM
Core Event
Josh Brolin, the Oscar-nominated actor who portrays CIA officer Matt Graver, has confirmed that a third installment of the Taylor Sheridan-created series is moving forward. In interviews with ScreenRant and The Hollywood Reporter, Brolin said the film “is happening” and that production is expected to commence “soon.” The announcement follows a decade-long gap since the 2018 sequel *Sicario: Day of the Soldado*.
Background & Context
The *Sicario* universe began with Denis Villeneuve’s 2015 film, in which Graver recruited FBI agent Kate MacGuire (Emily Blunt) to a covert task force targeting Mexican drug cartels. The sequel, directed by Stefano Sollima, introduced Benicio del Toro’s Alejandro Gillick. Together the two films have generated more than $160 million in global box-office revenue, establishing a commercially successful franchise for Sheridan, who has since expanded his “Sheridan-verse” with series such as *Yellowstone* and *Mayor of Kingstown*.
Development Status and Open Questions
The 2023 Writers Guild of America strike delayed progress, though writers had reportedly completed a near-final draft before the halt. The screenwriter’s identity remains unconfirmed, with Sheridan’s other commitments cited as a factor.
Director speculation persists. Villeneuve, who directed the original film, is occupied with a forthcoming *James Bond* installment, while Christopher McQuarrie—known for the *Mission: Impossible* series—has been reported by producer Molly Smith to be involved as a “partner” in an unspecified capacity. No official confirmation has been given regarding whether either will helm the sequel.
Casting questions also remain unanswered. While del Toro’s Alejandro Gillick survived the events of *Day of the Soldado*, his involvement in the upcoming film has not been confirmed. Other returning actors such as Jeffrey Donovan and Raoul Trujillo have yet to be officially linked to the project, and there is no word on whether Emily Blunt will reprise her role.
Official Statements & Responses
- Josh Brolin reiterated his enthusiasm, noting that while the exact timing is uncertain, the film “is there” and he looks forward to its realization.
- Molly Smith, a producer on the franchise, disclosed Christopher McQuarrie’s participation as a partner, though she did not specify his role.
- Taylor Sheridan has not issued a direct comment on the director or casting decisions.
Verbatim Quote
- “When we do it, I don’t know when that is, but I know it’s there. So I’m excited about the prospect of it.” — Josh Brolin
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Directorial Leadership: Sources differ on who may direct the sequel. One report emphasizes Villeneuve’s potential return, another points to McQuarrie’s involvement without confirming a directing role.
- Screenwriting Credit: The status of the script is unclear; the identity of the writer(s) for the final draft remains unreported.
- Cast Confirmation: Del Toro’s participation is described as “still alive” in one source, yet no official casting announcement has been made. Emily Blunt’s return is discussed as a possibility but lacks confirmation.
