There are currently two films in the Sicario franchise: Sicario (2015) and Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018). While a third film has been discussed, it has not yet been officially confirmed or released.
Diving Deep into the Sicario Universe
The Sicario films, directed by Denis Villeneuve (Sicario) and Stefano Sollima (Sicario: Day of the Soldado), offer a stark and unflinching look at the brutal realities of the war on drugs along the U.S.-Mexico border. More than just action thrillers, they delve into the moral ambiguities faced by law enforcement and the chilling consequences of fighting violence with violence. The films have garnered critical acclaim for their compelling narratives, breathtaking cinematography, and outstanding performances, particularly from Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, and Josh Brolin. But with discussions surrounding the future of the franchise, questions naturally arise.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sicario Films
Here are 12 frequently asked questions designed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Sicario universe and its evolution:
1. What is the meaning of the word “Sicario”?
The word “sicario” originates from Latin and translates to “hitman” or “contract killer”. It’s a term widely used in Mexico and other Latin American countries to describe individuals who are paid to commit assassinations. This sets the tone for the films’ dark and violent subject matter.
2. Who directed the Sicario movies?
The first film, Sicario (2015), was directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for his visually stunning and thematically complex films such as Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and Dune. Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) was directed by Stefano Sollima, who also directed Suburra and some episodes of Gomorrah.
3. Are the Sicario movies based on a true story?
While the Sicario films are not directly based on a single true story, they draw heavily on real-world events, tactics, and the overall atmosphere surrounding the U.S.-Mexico drug war. The films depict the complex and often morally questionable methods employed by law enforcement and government agencies in their fight against powerful drug cartels.
4. Where are the Sicario movies filmed?
Sicario (2015) was primarily filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) was filmed in various locations throughout New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Bernalillo, and Socorro. The film also used some locations in Mexico. The rugged landscapes and urban environments contributed significantly to the films’ authentic and gritty feel.
5. What is the chronological order of the Sicario movies?
The chronological order mirrors their release order: First, Sicario (2015), followed by Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018). This order is essential for understanding the character development and evolving narrative arcs, especially regarding the complex relationship between Matt Graver and Alejandro Gillick.
6. Is Sicario: Day of the Soldado a direct sequel to Sicario?
While Sicario: Day of the Soldado is a sequel, it shifts its focus away from Emily Blunt’s character, Kate Macer, and concentrates primarily on the characters of Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and Alejandro Gillick (Benicio Del Toro). The storylines are connected, but Soldado explores different aspects of the war on drugs with a slightly different tone and a stronger emphasis on action.
7. Will there be a Sicario 3?
A third Sicario film, often referred to as Sicario: Capos, has been discussed for several years. Screenwriter Taylor Sheridan has reportedly written a script, but the project is still in development. As of late 2024, Sicario: Capos has not been officially greenlit, but the producers have expressed continued interest in completing the trilogy. The biggest hurdle appears to be securing the schedules of the main cast and the director.
8. What is the plot of Sicario: Day of the Soldado?
In Sicario: Day of the Soldado, the U.S. government believes Mexican drug cartels are smuggling terrorists across the border. Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) is tasked with inciting war between the cartels, and he enlists Alejandro Gillick (Benicio Del Toro) to help. Their plan involves kidnapping Isabel Reyes, the daughter of a cartel boss, but the mission goes sideways, forcing them to make difficult moral choices.
9. What are the main themes explored in the Sicario movies?
The Sicario films explore several profound themes, including:
- Moral Ambiguity: The films challenge the viewer to question the ethics of the methods used in the war on drugs and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
- The Brutality of Violence: The films portray the graphic and dehumanizing effects of violence on both perpetrators and victims.
- The Cycle of Revenge: The films illustrate how revenge can become a self-perpetuating cycle, leading to further bloodshed and destruction.
- The Erosion of Innocence: The films depict the loss of innocence and the psychological toll that the war on drugs takes on individuals involved, particularly those who initially believe in the righteousness of their cause.
- Government Corruption and Manipulation: The films expose the complex web of power, corruption, and manipulation within government agencies and their dealings with cartels.
10. What is the significance of Alejandro Gillick’s character?
Alejandro Gillick, portrayed by Benicio Del Toro, is a central figure in the Sicario films. He’s a former prosecutor turned assassin who seeks revenge for the murder of his family by a Mexican drug cartel. Alejandro represents the darker, more pragmatic side of the war on drugs, willing to employ ruthless tactics to achieve his goals. His moral compass is heavily skewed by his personal trauma, making him a compelling and complex character.
11. Why is Emily Blunt’s character, Kate Macer, absent from Sicario: Day of the Soldado?
The filmmakers decided to focus on the characters of Matt Graver and Alejandro Gillick in Sicario: Day of the Soldado to explore different facets of the drug war. According to screenwriter Taylor Sheridan, Kate Macer’s story arc had reached a natural conclusion in the first film. Her character represented the audience’s moral perspective, and continuing her story would have felt redundant.
12. What are some similar movies to Sicario that explore similar themes?
If you enjoyed the Sicario films, you might also appreciate the following movies:
- Traffic (2000): Explores the complexities of the drug trade from multiple perspectives.
- Zero Dark Thirty (2012): Depicts the hunt for Osama bin Laden with a focus on the intelligence gathering process.
- End of Watch (2012): A gritty and realistic portrayal of two police officers working in a dangerous Los Angeles neighborhood.
- Prisoners (2013): A dark and suspenseful thriller about the lengths people will go to for justice.
- American Made (2017): A biographical crime film about a pilot who becomes a drug smuggler for the Medellín Cartel.
- Triple Frontier (2019): A group of former Special Forces operatives reunite to plan a heist in a sparsely populated multi-border zone of South America.
The Future of the Sicario Franchise
While the future of the Sicario franchise remains uncertain, the enduring popularity and critical acclaim of the existing films suggest that Sicario: Capos could eventually see the light of day. Fans eagerly await news of a confirmed release date, hoping to witness the next chapter in this gripping and morally challenging saga. The legacy of the first two films, however, ensures that the Sicario name will continue to be synonymous with powerful storytelling and unflinching depictions of the war on drugs. The films have sparked conversations about ethics, responsibility, and the true cost of fighting violence with violence, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.