‘Sicario: Day Of The Soldado’ Early Buzz: A Surprisingly Superb Sequel

The announcement of aSicariosequel was met with some raised eyebrows. How do you follow upDenis Villeneuve’s powerful, gripping drama about the escalating war on drugs – and do so without the return of Villeneuve, cinematographerRoger Deakins, or starEmily Blunt? Early marketing forSicario: Day of the Soldadowas a bit confused as well, with some trailers suggesting that it was a morally gray prestige thriller in the vein of the first film while others showcased a bombastic action movie.

Fans were understandably skeptical about the sequel directed byStefano Sollima, but theSicario Day of the Soldadoearly buzz proves that their worries were unfounded. Here are what critics have to say about the new movie.

The early social media reviews forSicario: Day of the Soldadowere overwhelmingly positive. While critics admitted that the sequel didn’t quite have the same visual panache as the first film, returning screenwriterTaylor Sheridandelivered a taut, fantastic screenplay that more than makes up for the absence of dream duo of Villeneuve and Deakins.

Critics gave effusive praise to starsJosh BrolinandBenicio del Toro(who was so rudely snubbed by awards for his performance in the 2015Sicario), and series newcomer Isabela Moner (Transformers: The Last Knight). And while no one had really asked for this sequel,Day of the Soldadohad all the critics clamoring for a thirdSicariofilm.

“Sollima gave me the sequel I thought I didn’t want,” Variety’s Kristopher Tapleysaid. “Wonderful storytelling economy. Wicked sense of tension throughout. Brolin/Del Toro step it up. [Taylor] Sheridan is a beast on the page, man. Love. It.”

Taylor Sheridan’s sequel Sicario: Day of the Soldado deepens the characters played by Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro in unexpected ways. Director Stefano Sollimo delivers. June 29.

— Anne Thompson (@akstanwyck)Jun 04, 2025

SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLDADO is, surprisingly, pretty awesome. Tense, gritty, and ends on a note where I want more. Benicio del Toro is amazing.

— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan)July 20, 2025

Moreover, Soldado is VERY timely. There is little black and white on the border between Mexico and the US. It’s a grey zone and Sheridan’s script isn’t afraid to go there. It’s a dramatic thriller with something to say. Go see it, because I can’t wait to see a third chapter.

— Gregory Ellwood – The Playlist 🎬 (@TheGregoryE)June 12, 2025

Moreover, SOLDADO should have been at CANNES either in or out of competition. I heard the festival wanted it, but the decision was made note to go even though Del Toro was Un Certain Regard jury prez. Would have been a strong critical kick off for them and much needed buzz.

Happy to report ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’ is extremely well made and features fantastic performances from Josh Brolin and Benecio del Toro. As you might expect, Taylor Sheridan’s screenplay is excellent. Really hope the film does well so they can complete the trilogy.pic.twitter.com/hLkly137jA

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty)July 03, 2025

Dark doesn’t begin to describe SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLDADO. It’s fucked up and I kinda loved it. Maybe not quite as much as the first film, but Brolin & Benicio are FIRE & Taylor Sheridan proves again why he’s one of the best writers in town. Not a perfect sequel but VERY badass

— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider)July 11, 2025

Sicario 2 or Soldado or whatever we’re calling it is really amazing. Tense, thrilling, and surprising with solidly orchestrated set pieces and real emotion. It’s like “Clear and Present Danger” for a new generation (I mean that in a good way). And bring on part 3 (please).pic.twitter.com/wfMMlSfmEd

— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored)August 18, 2025

Stefano SollimadirectsSicario: Day of the Soldado, which starsBenicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Isabela Moner, Catherine Keener,andJeffrey Donovan.Sicario: Day of the Soldadoopens in theaters onJune 29, 2018.