When word surfaced thatSicariowas getting a sequel, the reaction was a mix of excitement and apprehension. DirectorDenis Villeneuve’s thriller really felt like a satisfying, whole piece, and the film’s rich thematic subtext—from America’s foreign policy with regards to violence to what it’s like to be a woman in a man’s world—offered more than enough reason to return for repeating viewings. Regardless, theSicariosequelSoldadomaterialized quite quickly, with screenwriterTaylor Sheridan(who also penned this year’s indie darlingHell or High Water) also returning to pen the screenplay.
ButSoldadois missing a couple of big pieces of theSicariopuzzle: starEmily Bluntand Villeneuve. Indeed, the follow-up continues on without Blunt’s character, withBenicio Del Toro’s hitman andJosh Brolin’s CIA operative instead taking the lead, whileStefano Sollima—who helmed the TV seriesGomorrah—takes over directing duties.
So with so much different, folks have been curious about what to expect fromSoldado, and when Collider’s own Christina Radish spoke with actorJeffrey Donovanfor his new Hulu seriesShut Eye, the discussion touched on Donovan reprising his turn as Steve Forsing in theSicariosequel. The actor teased the story ofSoldado:
“I know I was in it, but as a fan ofSicario, I can’t believe they’re making another one, which is so awesome. And I’m in it, which is even more awesome. I thoughtSicariowas one of the best films, in the last five years, that I’ve seen. I really believe that. I was just lucky to be in a small portion of it. The story picks up with the same male characters that were inSicario, which was Josh [Brolin] and Benicio [Del Toro]. Emily Blunt’s character is not in it, but my character, Forsing, is also brought back. It focuses on these three characters 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.”
But with so many different puzzle pieces in the mix, and with Blunt’s character absent, willSoldadofeel like a true sequel or more of a spin-off?
“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.”
This is definitely an interesting angle, and whileSoldadowould indeed be more promising if Blunt and/or Villeneuvewerecoming back, Sheridan has proven himself to be a fantastic screenwriter, so here’s hoping he’s put together a follow-up that’s as rich and engrossing asSicario.
