Following the film’s robust box office performance in limited release, Lionsgate is actively developing a sequel to the taut thriller Sicario. Masterfully directed by Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Enemy), the film follows an FBI agent played by Emily Blunt as she’s recruited by two mysterious government figures (Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro) to accompany them on a secret mission involving drug cartels on the U.S.-Mexico border. I caught the film at TIFF (read my review here) and it’s absolutely one of the best films of the year. Not only is it an impeccably crafted thriller that’s unnervingly scored and hauntingly shot, it’s also a searing indictment on how America responds to violence abroad that boasts a trio of terrific performances by Blunt, Brolin, and Del Toro.
Per Variety, the idea is to craft a sequel around the character played by Del Toro. He’s a mysterious figure in the film so for fear of tainting the movie-watching experience, I’ll just say that while I think it’d be possible to create a follow-up about his character, I’m not sure it’s entirely necessary. That being said, Del Toro is on track to land at least a Best Supporting Actor nomination for the role—he does some truly fantastic work.
Taylor Sheridan, who penned the script for Sicario, is overseeing the development of “Sicario 2”, and although Villeneuve is also involved it’s unclear if he’ll direct. He has a pretty heavy dance card as it is, currently digging into post-production on his sci-fi drama Story of Your Life starring Amy Adams before starting production on the Blade Runner sequel next summer, for which he’ll reunite with Sicario and Prisoners cinematographer Roger Deakins.
Sicario is currently in the midst of a theatrical expansion, opening in more theaters next weekend before going wide on October 2nd. As if it’s not already abundantly clear, I highly suggest seeking it out.
