Sicario 3 is happening because of course it is. The first film, directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Taylor Sheridan, was a critical and commercial hit in 2015, so it’s not surprising that Lionsgate would want to milk this franchise for all it’s worth. And by “all it’s worth,” I mean they’ll keep making sequels until the returns dwindle to almost nothing. The first film’s success can be attributed to its taut script and superb direction, which made for a thrilling and intense viewing experience. The sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, was met with weaker reviews, but still managed to make almost the same amount of money as the first film.
The new film, which I hope will be called SicarThreeo, will be directed by Padraic McKinley, who recently made the sharp period thriller The Weight, and written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. The entire core original cast, including Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin, is reportedly expected to return for the film. Blunt played a FBI agent who joins a secret task force led by Brolin and del Toro’s characters, charged with taking down Mexican drug cartels. Her character’s arc in the first film was a major part of its success, and it will be interesting to see how her character has evolved since then.
The Franchise That Refused to Die
The Sicario franchise is a perfect example of Hollywood’s annual Nostalgia Harvest, where studios dig up old intellectual properties and try to squeeze out a few more dollars from them. It’s a never-ending cycle of reboots, sequels, and prequels, all designed to cash in on our fond memories of better times. The Content Mines remain fully operational, churning out familiar titles and characters for our consumption. And somewhere, a Focus Group earned another bonus for telling executives what they wanted to hear.
The fact that the entire original cast is returning for the third film is a testament to the enduring power of nostalgia. It’s a bold move, but one that could pay off if done correctly. The first film’s success was largely due to the chemistry between the leads, and if they can recapture that magic, Sicario 3 could be a hit. However, it’s also possible that the film will feel like a rehashing of old ideas, a cynical attempt to cash in on the success of the first film.
The Art of Sequel-Making
Making a successful sequel is a delicate art. It requires a deep understanding of what made the original film work, as well as a willingness to take risks and try new things. The sequel to Sicario, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, was met with weaker reviews, but still managed to make a decent amount of money. The key to its success was its ability to expand on the world and characters introduced in the first film, while also introducing new elements to keep things fresh.
The third film will need to do the same if it wants to succeed. It will need to balance the old with the new, giving fans of the franchise what they want while also introducing new elements to keep things interesting. It’s a difficult tightrope to walk, but one that can be done with the right combination of talent and creativity. And if all else fails, the Merchandising Department will still make a killing selling Sicario3merchandise.
As the film’s director and writer work on the script, they’ll be taking notes from the stars and trying to craft a story that will appeal to both old and new fans. It’s a daunting task, but one that they’re well-equipped to handle. After all, they’ve got the entire original cast returning, and a built-in audience eager to see what’s next for these characters. And if the film is a success, you can bet that the studio will be greenlighting Sicario 4 in no time, because why not? It’s not like they have any original ideas or anything.
In the end, the success of Sicario 3 will depend on a variety of factors, including the quality of the script, the direction, and the performances. But one thing is certain: it will be a commercial success, if only because it’s a familiar title with a built-in audience. And that’s all that really matters in Hollywood, right? The fact that it’s a well-made film with a compelling story and characters is just a bonus. Somewhere, an algorithm has decided that we want more Sicario, and who are we to argue with that?
Finn McFrame, celebrated satirical mastermind and self-proclaimed “Emperor of Irony,” started his illustrious career as a cinematographer, where his expertise in capturing every single frame of a squirrel stealing a baguette earned him accolades at obscure film festivals.
Born in the glamorous town of Boring, Oregon, Finn grew up with dreams of being a Hollywood director until he realized that satire, not cinema, was his true calling—or at least the one that let him sleep until noon.
Finn McFrame: changing the world, one satirical lens flare at a time.
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