Taylor Sheridan faced considerable challenges while crafting the ending of the 2015 film Sicario. Initially, he encountered significant pushback from the film’s producers regarding the character arc of hitman Alejandro Gillick, played by Benicio del Toro.
The original concept for the climax depicted Alejandro as a less violent figure, contrasting sharply with the ruthless persona established throughout the film. In an alternate version, Alejandro would have tortured Fausto Alarcon, allowing his family to escape with a message to raise their children away from drug dealing.
Director Denis Villeneuve and Sheridan opted to film both endings to gauge audience reaction. This decision came after intense internal discussions and disagreements among the producers. Ultimately, the brutal ending, where Alejandro eliminates the Alarcon family entirely, resonated more with viewers.
This choice not only reinforced Alejandro’s transformation into a heartless avenger but also solidified del Toro’s portrayal as one of his most memorable roles, leading to a sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, in 2018. Discussions about a potential Sicario 3 continue, suggesting Alejandro’s story may not be over.
For more details, visit the source: SlashFilm.