The original Sicario film, released in 2015 and directed by Denis Villeneuve, with a screenplay by Taylor Sheridan, was met with both commercial and critical success. In the first film, Emily Blunt plays an FBI agent who has been assigned to a mysterious task force in Mexico during the peak of the drug war between Mexico and the USA. Rounding out the cast were Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Daniel Kaluuya, Victor Garber, and Jon Bernthal.

Sicario was a huge critical and commercial success, so much so that a sequel Sicario: Day of the Soldado was released in 2018. However, neither Blunt nor Villeneuve returned for the project. Now, with news that Sicario 3 is in the works, and with very little information known about the upcoming movie that will effectively close the trilogy, many are hoping to see Villeneuve return as the film’s director. It would certainly be fitting; although Sicario 2 was strong, Villeneuve’s direction was notably missed. Here’s why Villeneuve should return to direct Sicario 3.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

The Original Film Worked Best

     Lionsgate

Sicario was a massive success, and although the sequel was very successful, it didn’t quite match up with the original, being less well received than the Villeneuve-directed original. Sicario: Day of the Soldado was directed by Stefano Sollima, who has confirmed that he will not return for Sicario 3. This opens the possibility of Villeneuve returning to direct. Most fans, and even cast members, agree that this would be a wise move, since it’s universally agreed that the sequel didn’t hit quite the same as the original. Brolin even remarked that Sicario 2 failed because of Villeneuve’s absence. Moving back in the direction of the first film would allow the franchise, for its final film, to return to the glory that it first achieved.

When Sicario was released, acclaim came from critics as well as through box office success, and performances from Brolin, del Toro, and Blunt made for a perfect cast, with the plot being layered and the characters given room to be explored in an atmosphere that never felt very morally aligned. Sicario 2 was much grittier in its nature, and it never necessarily allowed the viewers to relate or align to any characters. This doesn’t automatically mean that a lack of likable characters will result in a less impressive film, but Blunt’s inclusion and edits made by Villeneuve in the original ultimately made for a more compelling watch.

Villeneuve’s Current Schedule Seems to Allow It

     Legendary Pictures

Last year, Villeneuve found huge success with Dune, and we already know that a sequel is in the works, due to be released in 2023, which will likely keep him occupied for some time. Once this is complete, there’s no reason as to why he wouldn’t be attached to the new project, and the timing may be perfect for him to pick up a new project after his work on the upcoming Dune sequel. There has already been speculation online that he may return for Sicario 3, so we hope this rumor proves to be true. Villeneuve is undoubtedly one of the most acclaimed filmmakers in Hollywood, and the past year has seen his reputation skyrocket. After the hype of the Oscars, Villeneuve will likely be looking for a project that will continue to push and challenge him as a director. Sicario 3 could be the perfect vehicle for him to continue his work of offering challenging and introspective stories on-screen.

Villeneuve’s Directorial Style is Right for the Plot

Villeneuve’s style has already been tried and tested successfully in the Sicario franchise, with the first film largely being accepted as the best. At the end of Sicario 2, the possibility for the plot to develop has been laid out: the story ended with Alejandro (del Toro) surviving a gunshot from gang member, Miguel (Elijah Rodriguez). The film then jumps years into the future when we see Alejandro is now recovered. He then recruits Miguel, and we see the potential for their relationship to develop in the upcoming films.

Villeneuve would be the perfect director to allow this relationship to develop and bring the film back to the success of the first film. A sequel would likely deal with the development of the relationship between Miguel and Alejandro, which has the potential to be explored and for the characters to be more fleshed out. They will likely face new enemies and be presented with situations that are more dangerous than ever. Villeneuve would undoubtedly bring back the sensitivity that also accompanied the first film and would be perfect to write in new character that ultimately allows the story to develop.