Thescreescore – Veteran actor Josh Brolin has finally shed light on the creative evolution of the highly anticipated Sicario 3, confirming its progression even as original screenwriter Taylor Sheridan steps away from the project. After years of speculation and production delays, the third installment in the gritty action franchise is officially moving forward, with Brolin expressing strong optimism regarding its new direction and creative team. The confirmation in October 2026 that Brolin would return alongside Benicio del Toro and Emily Blunt, under the direction of Padraic McKinley and with a script by Steven Knight, marked a significant turning point for the long-awaited sequel.
Speaking exclusively with thescreescore.com at New York Comic Con 2026, Brolin offered insights into the film’s current development. While acknowledging that the team is "still working on it" and deep in the "notes process," the Oscar-nominated actor lauded director Padraic McKinley as a "great filmmaker" who has contributed "great notes" to Knight’s screenplay. Brolin candidly described the transition to a new writer, post-Sheridan, as a "juggly process," yet his enthusiasm for reuniting with his co-stars was palpable. "We all can’t wait to get on set," Brolin enthused, highlighting the deep bond shared by the lead trio. "It’s been a while. We adore each other, and we’ve all worked together before. Benicio and I, this will be our sixth film together. It’s fantastic [to work with Emily again]. I just sent her a little voice memo yesterday, and I just adore her, I adore her. I think the work right now has reached a level that’s just untouchable."
The announcement of Steven Knight taking over scripting duties for Sicario 3 initially surprised many, especially following earlier reports that suggested Sheridan might return to pen the sequel. Sheridan’s original Sicario, directed by Denis Villeneuve, was a critical triumph and served as the inaugural chapter of his acclaimed "American Frontier trilogy," which also includes Hell or High Water and Wind River. However, Sheridan’s non-involvement in the third Sicario installment is hardly unexpected given his prolific and demanding schedule. The visionary creator is currently juggling an array of high-profile projects, including the neo-Western drama The Madison, the hit series Landman, a Call of Duty film adaptation, a potential fourth season of Lioness, and the upcoming Tulsa King spinoff, Frisco King. Furthermore, his recent first-look deal with NBCUniversal underscores his intense commitment to a diverse slate of productions.
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Knight’s appointment represents a fascinating shift in creative direction for the Sicario universe. The Oscar-nominated writer is renowned for his distinctive storytelling, particularly in period dramas and thrillers, though his filmography hasn’t typically ventured into the neo-Western genre that Sheridan masterfully established. His most tonally resonant works, such as the critically acclaimed Peaky Blinders – often described as a Western set in World War I-era Birmingham – and the World War II thriller series SAS: Rogue Heroes, suggest a capacity for crafting intense, character-driven narratives within morally ambiguous worlds. The widespread praise garnered by these series bodes well for Knight’s stewardship of Sicario 3. Should the film resonate with both critics and audiences, delivering on its long-awaited promise, it could potentially pave the way for a fourth installment, perhaps even creating an opportune window for Sheridan to reconsider a return to the franchise as a writer or director.
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