Lionsgate is developing a sequel to “Sicario” that will center on Benicio Del Toro’s mysterious hitman.
The project is being overseen by Taylor Sheridan, the writer of the acclaimed thriller. Director Denis Villeneuve is also involved, although it’s early in the process and it’s not clear if he would come on board to direct. Black Label Media, which backed “Sicario,” is co-financing the development of a follow-up.
“Before the release of this movie, I was talking to Denis and I said what happened to this character?” said Patrick Wachsberger, co-chair of the studio’s motion picture group. “Where is Benicio going?”
The studio executive was thrilled Monday after “Sicario” debuted to a sizzling $401,288 last weekend from just six theaters. Its per-screen average of $66,881 is the highest of the year.
The film centers on a steely FBI agent (Emily Blunt) who finds herself involved in an off-the-books operation to bring down a Mexican drug kingpin. Josh Brolin co-stars as a morally flexible government operative. Lionsgate is planning an Oscar campaign, Wachsberger said.
“This movie has multiple Oscar potential — best movie, best director, best cinematography, best music, and, of course, the actors,” he said. “All of the characters feel real.”
He added that he hoped that “Sicario” with its eerie shots of nighttime raids and violent border cronfrontations might finally score an Oscar for Roger Deakins, who is zero for twelve despite nominations for the likes of “Unbroken,” “Fargo,” and “Skyfall,” calling the award, “past due.”
Wachsberger also agreed with critics who have been predicting Oscar love for Blunt and calling her performance as tough agent forced to question her beliefs one of the finest of her career.
“She is totally credible,” said Wachsberger. “You end the movie wondering what’s going to happen? What happen to her character? Is she becoming a wolf?”
Despite the strong box office response, Lionsgate is going to roll out “Sicario” at a deliberate pace. It expands to eleven cities and roughly 65 locations next weekend, before going wide on Oct. 2.
“This is a movie that needs word of mouth,” said Wachsberger. “It’s not an easy title. ‘Sicario’? You have to Google that. You’re not going to wear a t-shirt of that.”
I give it a 9/10. If you like Zero Dark Thirty you’re gonna love this. Suspensfull and dark
I’m looking forward in seeing this movie considering the hype!
Narcos is just about the best on television, I went through that fast! Can a film about current Drug King El Chapo be far behind?
Looking forward to seeing this. Sounds like a huge hit is on the way. And it’s something original!! An Oscar for Blunt?! She’s gonna have some tough competition.
Emily Blunt has made sure this film will domestically bomb, by claiming she made a mistake becoming American.
As much as it is a great movie, sequel is not really necessary. We don’t need to know everything about every character. What they have provided in 1st part was enough for a standalone movie.
Talk about a spoiler! Well now I know he survives without having seen the movie yet!
Absolutely agree with the comments about Roger Deakins. SICARIO is beautifully shot and it’s well past the time of recognition for Deakins. I also agree that this film needs word-of-mouth to build momentum. I saw it last Saturday and I have not been able to stop the characters, the images or the music from interrupting my thoughts since walking out of the cinema. As an amateur film reviewer, I see my fair share of films throughout the year and, without hesitation, SICARIO is the best film I have seen in 2015 by a considerable length.
I would be intrigued to see where Del Toro’s Alejandro heads to next, but it would need careful consideration by Sheridan. It could be very easy to diminish the power of SICARIO by making a follow-up that pulls the curtain too far back and gives the viewer too much information about the character or makes the story more about the man than the predicament.
I totally agree with your comments regarding the movie and potential sequel, although I’m not totally opposed by it as long as Villeneuve comes back to direct, that’s a dealbreaker imo. I also review films and you can see my thoughts on Sicario online