When word first arrived that a “Sicario” sequel was brewing, many were dismayed to learn that Emily Blunt‘s Kate Macer wouldn’t be part of the story. Indeed, “Soldado,” set to be directed by Stefano Sollima, will see a new story spinning around the characters played by Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin. Now “Sicario” screenwriter Taylor Sheridan, who has also penned the sequel, has answered the question (one he’ll surely be asked numerous times in the months and years ahead) why Blunt’s character won’t be back.
“Her arc was complete … I couldn’t figure out a way to write a character that would do her talent justice,” he told The Wrap.
“What do you do next? She moves to some little town and becomes a sheriff and then gets kidnapped and then we have ‘Taken‘?” Sheridan joked. “I had to tell the story that was true to this role, and I didn’t feel like I could create something with that character that would further that world that would do Emily’s character justice. That said, there could be room for Kate somewhere else down the road.”
Frankly, Sheridan’s explanation does makes sense. Macer was completely shattered by the end of “Sicario,” so having her return on a new journey on the job would feel insincere. But with plans for a trilogy, the door is certainly open as the screenwriter suggests.
As for the next movie, it sounds like it’s going to be intense as hell, with Jeffrey Donovan (who will also be returning) teasing the plot.
“It focuses on these three characters [Alejandro, Matt Graver, and Steve Forsing] now, going down into Mexico to basically start a war, on purpose, between the rival Mexican cartels. There’s a bigger reason for it, but that’s the beginning of the movie,” the actor told Collider. “It’s more of a stand-alone spin-off. It’s not a sequel or a prequel. It really is yet another examination told from this male point of view, rather than from a female point of view. It’s pretty cool.”
Thoughts? Let us know below. “Soldado” starts shooting next year.