Despite being officially announced several years ago, Sicario 3 has yet to come to fruition, leading to growing anticipation and curiosity among fans. The original Sicario film, released in 2015, garnered exceptional reviews, a testament to the remarkable direction of Denis Villeneuve and the compelling screenplay by Taylor Sheridan. Their collaboration in the first film depicts Kate Macer, an FBI agent who joins a task force dedicated to combatting the pervasive drug trade. However, a shocking revelation at the film’s conclusion exposes Matt Graver’s ulterior motives to manipulate the drug cartels rather than dismantle them, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The contrasting views of Macer and Graver regarding the so-called war on drugs create a deep-seated conflict that drives the film’s tension. Although Emily Blunt did not reprise her role as Kate in the sequel, both Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro returned to continue their portrayal of Matt Graver and Alejandro Gillick, respectively. The follow-up, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, unfortunately, did not achieve the same acclaim as its predecessor. Nevertheless, Sicario 3 has been confirmed, yet it remains trapped in the developmental stages.

Sicario 3 Development Timeline: Insights from Before Day of Soldado’s Release

The Ongoing Challenges of Sicario 3’s Development Process

Although the journey to release has been lengthy, Sicario 3, currently known as Sicario: Capos, has been in development since prior to the launch of Sicario: Day of the Soldado in 2018. Following the phenomenal success of the initial film, it was evident that the producers were confident in the potential of the franchise. Not only was a sequel announced, but plans for a third installment were also confirmed. However, Sicario: Day of the Soldado received mixed reviews, which affected its box office performance, leading to a decrease in revenue compared to the original.

While the second film, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, holds a modest Rotten Tomatoes score of 62%, it still lays the groundwork for the third film. The sequel concludes with a pivotal moment where Matt Graver decides to spare Isabela’s life. Given that the U.S. government is now in possession of a cartel leader’s daughter, there is significant potential for intense drama to unfold in Sicario 3. Therefore, it’s essential for fans to receive updates regarding the development status of Sicario 3 soon.

Hollywood Labor Strikes: A Major Setback for Sicario 3

Navigating the Setbacks in Sicario 3’s Production Timeline

Despite the release of Sicario: Day of the Soldado being seven years ago, Sicario 3 has not been officially canceled, providing hope for fans. For years, there has been a strong desire from producers for del Toro, Brolin, and Blunt to return for the third installment. While it appeared that progress was being made, the film faced an indefinite delay due to the 2023 Hollywood labor strikes. Since the conclusion of these strikes, updates regarding Sicario 3 have been scarce, leaving fans eager for news.

Recent comments from both Brolin and Blunt regarding the status of Sicario 3 have raised questions. In February 2024, Blunt revealed that she had yet to see a script for Sicario 3, casting doubt on the project’s viability. A couple of months later, in April 2024, Brolin expressed his skepticism about whether Sicario 3 would ever reach production, although he noted that the producers are still brainstorming ideas for the film. Hence, while progress has been slow, it appears that there are still individuals actively working on Sicario 3.

Is There Still Time for Sicario 3 to Make an Impact?

The Continued Enthusiasm for Sicario 3 Among Fans and Industry

With seven years having passed since the second film’s release, the question arises: is there still sufficient interest in Sicario 3? While Sicario: Day of the Soldado set the stage for a sequel, it’s easy to imagine that the movie’s lukewarm reception may have dulled the memory of its ending for many viewers. Therefore, it is conceivable that Sicario 3 could face challenges, both critically and financially, upon its eventual release.

Despite these concerns, Taylor Sheridan remains involved in the project, having crafted numerous successful shows in recent years. His participation suggests that Sicario 3 still holds the potential for success. Moreover, if all three leads—del Toro, Brolin, and Blunt—return for the third installment, it could attract a considerable audience back to theaters. The original Sicario has gained traction on streaming platforms, indicating that interest in the franchise persists. Consequently, although Sicario 3 has been in limbo for an extended period, there’s still hope that it could emerge as a successful film if it eventually gets made.