Action lovers on Netflix just got a reason to stay glued to their screens. As part of its April lineup, Netflix has officially added Sicario: Day of the Soldado, the much-anticipated sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s modern classic. Fans of intense storytelling and brutal realism will be pleased to see this 2018 entry, directed by Stefano Sollima, finally available to stream alongside the original Sicario.
The arrival of Day of the Soldado fills a major gap for subscribers who’ve long craved continuity in the saga. While the first film set a high bar with its tightly wound tension and meticulous direction, the sequel ventures into new territory. It swaps Emily Blunt’s outsider perspective for a grittier look at covert operations, bringing back the hardened duo of Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin. The sequel dives deeper into the murky ethics of the U.S.-Mexico drug war, giving fans a darker, more action-heavy follow-up.
Same War, Different Rules
Though Sicario: Day of the Soldado lacks the introspective depth of its predecessor, it doesn’t pull punches when it comes to intensity. The change in directorial vision is palpable. With Villeneuve moving on to Dune, the sequel took shape under Stefano Sollima, known for his work on gritty crime dramas like Suburra. The tonal shift is evident: this is a leaner, meaner beast.
Taylor Sheridan, who penned both films, maintains the continuity of tone with a script that doubles down on moral ambiguity. As reported by ComicBook.com, this sequel trades the psychological depth for broader geopolitical spectacle, placing Alejandro (Del Toro) and Graver (Brolin) at the center of an escalating cartel war. With Blunt’s Kate Macer gone, the sequel lacks a moral anchor, opting instead for relentless forward momentum.
Despite critical debates on its artistic merit, Day of the Soldado remains a must-watch for fans of the genre. According to NBC Insider, its addition to Netflix has already boosted viewership stats, landing it firmly within the platform’s trending titles of the month.
Action Reloaded: What Else Is Streaming
The new Netflix roster for April isn’t just about one franchise. Alongside Day of the Soldado, users can now stream a variety of other titles, making it one of the most action-packed months in recent memory. The Croods, The Breakfast Club, Heat, and Geostorm offer a bit of everything—from nostalgic family fare to high-stakes thrillers.
For fans of high-octane storytelling, Insidious: Chapter 2 and Conan the Destroyer also joined the platform. This kind of curation reflects Netflix’s recent strategy to diversify its action portfolio, catering to both legacy fans and younger viewers. The streaming giant seems to be betting big on recognizable franchises and cult favorites, creating a binge-worthy environment for every taste.
In this landscape, Day of the Soldado holds its ground not just as a sequel, but as a standalone action thriller. It’s a rougher, colder world this time around—and Netflix users appear to be loving it.
Can the Saga Continue?
The release of Sicario: Day of the Soldado on Netflix reignites speculation about a possible third installment. While no official announcements have been made, fans and critics alike have been vocal about the franchise’s potential to continue. Given the streaming traction and renewed interest, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to expect more from Sheridan’s criminal underworld.
The real question is whether Netflix could become the home for a new chapter in the Sicario saga. With its increasing investment in original content and a proven appetite for gripping crime narratives, the platform might just be the perfect incubator for a third act. Could we see Alejandro return once again to settle unfinished business?
Only time will tell, but for now, action fans can revel in the tense, explosive world of Day of the Soldado.
