Taylor Sheridan Explains Why He Won’t Direct Sicario 3

If you’re among the fans wishing for Taylor Sheridan’s return to direct Sicario 3, it may be time to reassess expectations. Sheridan has made it clear that he has no intention of revisiting this narrative, and there are solid reasons for his stance.

While Sheridan has many acclaimed works, including the wildly popular series Yellowstone, he first gained major recognition for his intense and gripping screenplay for 2015’s Sicario. This film, helmed by Denis Villeneuve, showcased the harrowing journey of an FBI agent who teams up with a task force to dismantle drug trafficking networks along the US-Mexico border. The film garnered substantial critical acclaim and set the stage for a sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, which, though not as celebrated, still managed to leave its mark.

Since 2018, discussions about a third installment have circulated. However, despite his involvement, Sheridan has been vocal about his disinterest in pursuing the project.

Why Taylor Sheridan Is Moving On

Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin in Sicario: Day of the Soldado — Lionsgate

Sheridan regards his works Sicario, Hell or High Water, and Wind River as a cohesive trilogy that delves into the complexities of the American frontier and the repercussions of its colonization. As a result, he prefers to channel his creative energies into fresh ventures, including anticipated spin-offs from Yellowstone like The Madison.

In a candid interview with Screen Crush in 2017, he commented on his reluctance to keep expanding the narrative universe, stating, “If I find another world – I don’t want to continue, I don’t want the trilogy to become a sextet [laughs].” He elaborated on his artistic philosophy, mentioning that it would be “monotonous and derivative” to churn out a series of similar stories. Instead, he found value in showcasing diverse regions and their unique issues through his initial trilogy.

Post-Sicario, Sheridan’s career expanded as he wrote Without Remorse and directed Those Who Wish Me Dead. His focus has shifted predominantly to television, where he has been heavily involved in multiple projects, including Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923, the latter of which is set to return for its second season soon.

Taylor Sheridan in Yellowstone as Travis — Paramount

While there’s no immediate sign of Sicario 3 coming to fruition, it’s important to clarify that Sheridan isn’t the only reason for its stagnation. Initially, notable filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie was linked to the project, but current developments are unclear. Actor Josh Brolin mentioned in an interview on the Bingeworthy podcast that he is unsure about Sheridan’s involvement at this time.

Producer Erica Lee shed some light on the matter during a late 2024 interview with MovieWeb, expressing her affection for the franchise. She emphasized that discussions are ongoing: “We’re talking about it a lot… I think it’s an amazing franchise.” However, she also acknowledged the challenge in meeting the high standards set by director Denis Villeneuve and the talented ensemble cast.

In a perfect scenario, Lee dreams of reuniting the original cast to create something that resonates with audiences both old and new. The future of Sicario 3 remains uncertain, yet the interest in reviving this cinematic universe lingers.

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