For years, Sicario 3 has been teased, and now Josh Brolin has given an exciting update on the third installment, detailing whether Denis Villeneuve will return to direct. The Sicario franchise launched in 2015 with Villeneuve’s tense, critically acclaimed thriller exploring the U.S. war on drugs at the southern border, starring Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Brolin.

Sicario was an instant hit, sparking the 2018 sequel, Stefano Sollima’s Sicario: Day of the Soldado, which shifted focus towards Brolin and del Toro’s characters. While it lacked Villeneuve as director and Blunt’s character, it still expanded the franchise’s world and ended on a note that teased another chapter, leaving many to wonder if there would be a Sicario 3.

During a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Brolin, who plays Matt Graver, admitted that, although he once thought a third Sicario film was unlikely, Brolin “just recently heard that it’s very, very real.” When host Josh Horowitz asked if Villeneuve would return to direct, Brolin stated, “I honestly don’t know that.” Check out Brolin’s quote below:

Like I mentioned at some point, I don’t know, maybe just to be contrary. I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s never going to happen.’ And then the producers showed up and Molly and, you know, ‘That’s not true!’ Which is fine. And then I just heard recently that it’s very, very real. So, cool.

What Brolin’s Update Means For Sicario

Brolin’s comments are the most concrete sign yet that Sicario 3 is finally moving forward. Previously, Brolin gave a disappointing update on Sicario 3, which suggested the project was somewhat unlikely. However, the actor has now confirmed that the film is “very, very real,” sparking excitement for a franchise that has been quietly in the development stage for years.

The absence of a confirmed director does leave some uncertainty. Villeneuve is currently one of the busiest filmmakers in Hollywood, especially with Dune: Messiah, so the fan-favorite looks unlikely to return. However, if Brolin and del Toro do return, and Blunt’s involvement is reportedly on the table, Sicario 3 could still deliver a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy.

Our Take On Sicario 3

If Sicario 3 does happen, and it’s starting to sound very likely, there are plenty of opportunities for the story to continue. For example, the second film ends with Alejandro (del Toro) surviving a brutal ambush and recruiting a Sicario protégé. Therefore, a third film could explore the consequences, reuniting Sicario’s original cast, and delve deeper into the systemic corruption.

Audiences were let down by Sicario: Day of the Soldado, so it makes sense that they want Villeneuve to return. However, the director would need to somehow find the time in his busy schedule. Regardless of whether Villeneuve returns, a well-written Sicario 3 could still potentially bring a powerful conclusion to the franchise, especially if Brolin is involved.