Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-02**Lead**
Taylor Sheridan, the celebrated screenwriter behind the original *Sicario* and its sequel *Sicario: Day of the Soldado*, has completed the script for the third chapter of the franchise, according to multiple industry reports. The news arrives as the series gears up for a return to production, with sources indicating that the project is now moving forward after years of development uncertainty. While no official announcement has been made by studios or talent, the script's completion marks a significant step toward bringing the intense drug war saga back to the big screen.
**Context**
The *Sicario* franchise began in 2015 with the acclaimed film directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Taylor Sheridan. The movie starred Emily Blunt as an idealistic FBI agent drawn into the brutal world of cartel violence along the U.S.-Mexico border, alongside Benicio Del Toro as the enigmatic operative Alejandro and Josh Brolin as the cynical CIA officer Matt Graver. The film was praised for its taut direction, stark cinematography, and Sheridan's unflinching script, earning three Academy Award nominations. Three years later, the sequel *Sicario: Day of the Soldado* arrived, directed by Stefano Sollima, with Sheridan returning as sole screenwriter. That installment shifted focus to the ongoing conflict between cartels and American intelligence operatives, further exploring the moral compromises of those waging the drug war.
After *Day of the Soldado*, a third film was announced, but progress stalled. Throughout the years, updates have been sporadic. In 2022, reports emerged that Sheridan was actively writing the script, and by late 2023, industry trades indicated that he had turned in a draft. Now, with this latest wave of reports confirming the script's completion, the franchise appears ready to move into pre-production. Potential cast members remain unconfirmed, though Brolin and Del Toro have repeatedly expressed interest in returning. Director involvement is also unclear; Villeneuve has moved on to blockbuster projects like *Dune*, while Sollima has been occupied with other work. However, Sheridan's deep involvement as writer and producer may provide the creative continuity the series needs.
**Analysis**
The return of *Sicario 3* carries significant weight for several reasons. First, the franchise occupies a unique space in modern American cinema—it is one of the few mainstream action-thriller series that directly confronts the realities of the drug trade, border policy, and the ethical dilemmas of counter-narcotics operations. At a time when border security and cartel violence remain hot-button political issues in the United States, a new installment could resonate powerfully with audiences seeking thought-provoking entertainment. Sheridan, who also created the massively popular *Yellowstone* universe, has demonstrated a keen ability to blend gritty storytelling with sharp commentary on American institutions. His involvement assures that the script will likely retain the franchise's signature tension and moral ambiguity.
Moreover, the completion of the script signals that studios see continued value in the property. The first two films grossed a combined $275 million worldwide on modest budgets, making them commercial as well as critical successes. With Sheridan's star power after *Yellowstone*, the project may attract top talent and significant backing. The timing is also notable: the political landscape surrounding immigration and drug policy has shifted since the 2018 sequel, and the new story could reflect these changes. Whether the film will address current events directly or continue its fictionalized portrayal of the cartel conflict remains to be seen, but Sheridan's track record suggests he will not shy away from complexity.
**Sources**
This story is based on reporting from industry publications, including Deadline, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter, which have tracked development of *Sicario 3* and confirmed Taylor Sheridan's completion of the script. Additional context comes from publicly available production histories and interviews with talent involved in the franchise.