'Sicario' sequel in works at Lionsgate

Production banner Lionsgate Entertainment is developing a sequel to 2015 crime thriller film "Sicario" that will center on actor Benicio Del Toro's mysterious hitman.

The project is being overseen by Taylor Sheridan, the writer of the acclaimed thriller.

Director Denis Villeneuve is also involved, although it's not clear if he would come on board to direct, reports variety.com.

"Before the release of this movie, I was talking to Denis and I said what happened to this character? Where is Benicio going?" said Patrick Wachsberger, co-chairperson of the studio's motion picture group.

"Sicario", which released on September 18, centers on a steely FBI agent (Emily Blunt) who finds herself involved in an off-the-books operation to bring down a Mexican drug kingpin.

Josh Brolin co-stars as a morally flexible government operative.

Despite the strong box office response, the studio is going to roll out "Sicario" at a deliberate pace.

It expands to eleven cities and roughly 65 locations next weekend, before going wide on October 2.