The long-awaited Sicario 3 is finally moving forward, and the upcoming crime thriller has reunited the franchise’s original central trio. Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin are all set to return for the third instalment, marking the first time the three actors will reunite for a Sicario film since the original 2015 movie.
The new film is being developed by Black Label Media and Thunder Road, with Padraic McKinley attached to direct and acclaimed writer Steven Knight handling the screenplay. Plot details are currently being kept under wraps.
The announcement is particularly significant for fans because Emily Blunt’s character, FBI agent Kate Macer, did not appear in the 2018 sequel Sicario: Day of the Soldado. Her return means the new movie can bring Kate back together with Alejandro Gillick, played by Benicio del Toro, and Matt Graver, played by Josh Brolin.
Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin Return
The biggest news surrounding Sicario 3 is the return of its three original stars.
Emily Blunt will reprise her role as Kate Macer, the FBI agent at the centre of the first Sicario. Kate provided an important perspective on the morally complicated world of covert operations and cartel investigations.
Benicio del Toro will return as Alejandro Gillick, the mysterious and highly skilled operative who became one of the franchise’s most memorable characters.
Josh Brolin is also returning as Matt Graver, the CIA operative who played a major role in both previous films.
According to reports, the three actors read the latest version of Steven Knight’s screenplay before agreeing to return. Their reunion is expected to be one of the biggest attractions of the third film.
Emily Blunt Returns After Missing Sicario: Day of the Soldado
Emily Blunt’s return is especially noteworthy because she was absent from Sicario: Day of the Soldado, released in 2018.
The sequel focused primarily on the characters played by Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin. With Blunt returning for the third film, Sicario 3 will bring all three original leads back into the same story.
Blunt’s Kate Macer was introduced as an FBI agent who becomes increasingly aware of the morally ambiguous methods used by the people around her.
Her character’s return opens up several possibilities for the next chapter, although the filmmakers have not revealed exactly how Kate will become involved in the new story.
Benicio del Toro Returns as Alejandro Gillick
Benicio del Toro’s Alejandro Gillick has become one of the defining characters of the Sicario franchise.
Alejandro was introduced as a mysterious figure whose personal motivations were gradually revealed throughout the first film. Del Toro returned for Day of the Soldado, where the character became even more central to the story.
His return for the third instalment gives the filmmakers an opportunity to continue Alejandro’s journey while reconnecting him with Kate Macer and Matt Graver.
However, no official plot details have been announced yet, so the circumstances of their reunion remain unknown.
Josh Brolin Returns as Matt Graver
Josh Brolin will once again play Matt Graver, the CIA operative who has been central to both previous films.
Graver represents the more pragmatic and morally flexible side of the franchise’s world. His complicated relationship with Alejandro has been one of the major elements of the first two films.
Brolin had previously confirmed that a third Sicario movie was happening, but the latest announcement provides the clearest update yet on the project’s progress and confirms the return of the original trio.
Steven Knight Takes Over Screenwriting Duties
One of the biggest creative changes for Sicario 3 is behind the camera.
Steven Knight, best known as the creator and writer of Peaky Blinders, is writing the screenplay for the new film.
The first two Sicario movies were written by Taylor Sheridan, who created the franchise. Sheridan is not writing this instalment, with Knight taking over the screenplay duties.
Reports indicate that Knight and director Padraic McKinley are continuing to work on the script with input from the returning stars.
Knight’s involvement gives the third film a new writing voice while retaining the characters and world established by Sheridan.
Padraic McKinley to Direct Sicario 3
Padraic McKinley has been chosen to direct Sicario 3.
McKinley is attached to direct the film after an extensive search for the right filmmaker. The original Sicario was directed by Denis Villeneuve, while Stefano Sollima directed Day of the Soldado.
The decision to bring another filmmaker into the franchise continues the series’ tradition of changing directors between instalments.
McKinley’s appointment also means that Sicario 3 will have a distinct visual and filmmaking approach compared with its predecessors.
When Will Sicario 3 Begin Filming?
According to the latest reports, the plan is to begin shooting in early 2027.
The screenplay is still being refined, with Knight and McKinley working on the latest draft. The production is being prepared by Black Label Media and Thunder Road.
However, there is currently no confirmed release date for Sicario 3.
The project is also being taken to the market, with several studios reportedly showing interest. The first two films were distributed by Lionsgate, but a distributor for the third movie has not yet been officially announced.
What Will Sicario 3 Be About?
At present, the plot of Sicario 3 is being kept secret.
No official synopsis has been released, meaning fans do not yet know what mission will bring Kate Macer, Alejandro Gillick and Matt Graver back together.
The return of all three characters does, however, suggest that the third film will reconnect with the story established in the original movie.
Rather than revealing details prematurely, the producers are keeping the narrative under wraps while the screenplay continues to be developed.
Is Sicario 3 the Final Movie?
The third instalment has long been discussed as a potential conclusion to the Sicario storyline.
Producer Molly Smith has previously spoken about the intention to bring the planned trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. However, there has been no official confirmation that Sicario 3 will permanently end the wider franchise.
For now, it is best described as the third film in the series rather than definitively calling it the franchise finale.
Sicario Franchise: A Quick Recap
The original Sicario premiered in 2015 and was directed by Denis Villeneuve. The film starred Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin and followed an FBI agent drawn into a covert operation involving the drug war.
The film became known for its tense atmosphere, morally complicated characters and intense action sequences.
Three years later, Sicario: Day of the Soldado arrived in 2018. Stefano Sollima directed the sequel, with del Toro and Brolin returning. Emily Blunt did not appear in the second film.
The third instalment will now reunite all three major stars.
Sicario 3 Cast and Crew
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Film | Sicario 3 |
| Emily Blunt | Kate Macer |
| Benicio del Toro | Alejandro Gillick |
| Josh Brolin | Matt Graver |
| Director | Padraic McKinley |
| Writer | Steven Knight |
| Producers | Black Label Media & Thunder Road team |
| Franchise Creator | Taylor Sheridan |
| Expected Filming | Early 2027 |
| Release Date | Not announced |
| Distributor | Not announced |
Why Emily Blunt’s Return Matters
Emily Blunt’s return gives Sicario 3 a direct connection to the original film.
Kate Macer was the audience’s entry point into the dangerous world portrayed in the first movie. Her perspective contrasted with the secretive and morally ambiguous operations carried out by characters such as Graver and Alejandro.
Bringing her back alongside del Toro and Brolin creates the possibility of exploring how all three characters have changed since the events of the first film.
Exactly how their paths will cross again remains one of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the movie.
Sicario 3: What Fans Can Expect
While the story remains secret, the confirmed cast and creative team already make Sicario 3 one of the more anticipated upcoming crime thrillers.
The return of Blunt, del Toro and Brolin provides continuity with the original film, while Steven Knight and Padraic McKinley bring a fresh creative perspective.
The movie is expected to retain the franchise’s crime-thriller identity, but audiences will have to wait for the first trailer or official synopsis to learn more about the new mission.
For now, the most important update is simple: Sicario 3 is moving forward, the original trio is returning, and production is targeted for early 2027.
