It comes as a surprise that the director of Sicario: Day of the Soldado — Stefano Sollima — felt no apprehension about helming the sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s critically acclaimed film. The original Sicario set a high standard for action-thrillers when it was released, receiving stellar reviews, including a remarkable 92% from Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive score of 9 out of 10 from Screen Rant.
The success of the first film at the box office, grossing $84 million, played a significant role in Greenlighting the sequel. However, Villeneuve chose not to return to direct the follow-up, and Sollima stepped in instead. Despite the immense expectations that came with directing a sequel to such a beloved film, Sollima expressed confidence in his approach.
The Strength of Sheridan’s Script Bolstered Sollima’s Confidence
Taylor Sheridan: A Renowned Writer
Rather than feeling daunted by the challenge, Sollima attributed his confidence to the strength of the screenplay crafted by Taylor Sheridan. Sheridan, who gained acclaim for his work on Yellowstone and its spinoffs, has previously penned several award-winning films, including Hell or High Water and Wind River. In a 2018 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sollima remarked on his unwavering faith in Sheridan’s script:
No, I wasn’t intimidated because Taylor’s script was the kind of movie I love to watch in theaters — and love to make as a filmmaker. I really didn’t struggle with the decision. Out of respect for Sicario, the only thing I asked the producers was that I have the ability to find and choose a completely new crew. I felt this was the only way to make Soldado a standalone piece, a goal the producers also shared.
These comments underscore the solid foundation that Sheridan’s screenplay provided for the sequel. Villeneuve has also praised Sheridan as one of the finest screenwriters with whom he has collaborated, emphasizing the weight of Sheridan’s reputation in the industry.
Contrasts Between Sollima’s and Villeneuve’s Productions
Returning Characters and Narrative Shifts
Despite Sollima’s faith in the material, the reception for Sicario: Day of the Soldado fell short of expectations. The sequel earned a modest 62% on Rotten Tomatoes and a mere 5 out of 10 from Screen Rant, indicating a disparity in audience and critical response compared to its predecessor. By forming a new crew, Sollima aimed to distinguish the sequel significantly, which ultimately changed its overall tone.
In contrast to the first film, which predominantly unfolded through the lens of Emily Blunt’s character, Kate Macer, the sequel centers around the more enigmatic roles of Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin. While it delves into Alejandro’s dangerous mission to abduct the daughter of a drug cartel leader, the sequel takes on a more action-centric approach, diverting from the suspenseful atmosphere established in the original film.
The Future of Sicario 3
The Saga in Development
Even though Sicario: Day of the Soldado didn’t match the success of its predecessor, a third installment has been confirmed. Unfortunately, it has languished in development hell for several years. In a recent statement, Blunt expressed skepticism regarding the production of Sicario 3, while Brolin remains hopeful that progress is being made. Villeneuve has also shared his thoughts on potentially returning to direct, noting his enthusiasm for Sheridan’s writing:
Listen, Taylor Sheridan is one of my favorite screenwriters. If Taylor is writing a screenplay, I would be absolutely excited to see that on screen, [but] I have not heard about [a new script or project]. Nobody has talked to me about that. I’m just hearing about it now, I don’t know if this will happen, but if Taylor Sheridan is writing it, it’s going to be fantastic.
While the possibility of Villeneuve and Sheridan reuniting for Sicario 3 remains uncertain, Sollima has stated his disinclination to direct a third film, advocating for each installment to stand alone and be helmed by different directors. As it stands, there are currently no confirmed plans for a return to the franchise by either Sollima or Villeneuve, leaving fans waiting for a potential revival.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter,
Variety