Five years since Soldado: Del Toro's soft side and Sheridan's grand vision

ive years ago, the cinematic world was abuzz with the release of "Sicario: Day of the Soldado," the gripping sequel to the 2015 hit "Sicario." As we gear up for new movie releases in 2023, let's take a moment to look back at the premiere night, the cast's insights, and the genius of Taylor Sheridan that kept fans eagerly awaiting more.

Benicio del Toro: The teddy bear behind the tough exterior

While Del Toro's portrayal of the mysterious vigilante Alejandro Gillick was intense and captivating, his off-screen persona was quite the opposite. Co-star Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, who played a Mexican smuggler opposite Del Toro, shared, “He’s a teddy bear. He’s the sweetest, nicest guy … I loved talking to him because he’s a fan of movies and literature." Del Toro's passion for literature, especially Mexican authors, showcased a side of him that fans rarely got to see.

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Taylor Sheridan's vision: From "Sicario" to a potential trilogy

The mastermind behind both "Sicario" movies, Taylor Sheridan, crafted a narrative that was both thrilling and deeply rooted in reality. While the film touched upon the political tensions surrounding the U.S.-Mexico border, producer Molly Smith emphasized, “It’s timely, but cartel violence has been timely for a while now. I think what Taylor does is roots it in reality, but it’s a fictional story that kind of shows the authenticity of the violence down there.”

Rumors swirled about the potential of a "Sicario" trilogy. Co-producer Trent Luckinbill hinted at Sheridan's broader vision, stating, “Taylor always kicked around the idea that this was going to be a trilogy. He has a lot of ideas of where he could take these characters.” Fans were particularly intrigued by the absence of Emily Blunt's character, FBI agent Kate Macer, in "Soldado." However, there was hope she'd return in a potential third installment, with Luckinbill teasing, “Taylor has a master plan.”

As we anticipate the cinematic gems 2023 has to offer, it's always a treat to reminisce about the stories, characters, and creators that left an indelible mark on the silver screen.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)

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