Jon Bernthal’s 121-minute neo-Western thriller earns rave reviews and streaming success.

Jon Bernthal is having a standout year, with major roles in blockbuster films like The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after supporting actors. As these summer hits capture the spotlight, fans are revisiting Bernthal’s earlier performances that established him as a key character actor. His work in The Punisher, along with a rich history in the Daredevil TV series, The Walking Dead, and acclaimed films like Ford v Ferrari and King Richard, showcases his range. Plus, his standout role in FX’s The Bear highlights his gritty, method acting style, backed by solid theater training, making him one of the most compelling stars in the industry today.

Currently, one of Bernthal’s standout crime thrillers is experiencing a resurgence. Over a decade after its initial release, a 121-minute action gem has become a surprise hit on HBO Max, attracting a fresh audience in 2026.

The film making waves is Denis Villeneuve’s 2015 crime thriller, Sicario. After landing on HBO Max earlier this month, this Taylor Sheridan-penned thriller has quickly gained traction, ranking as the seventh most-watched movie on the platform in the U.S., according to a streaming tracker.

Sicario stars Emily Blunt as FBI agent Kate Macer, who joins a covert government task force led by CIA agent Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) on a perilous mission against a powerful Mexican drug cartel along the U.S.-Mexico border. As the operation delves into morally ambiguous territory, Kate is forced to reevaluate her beliefs while working with the enigmatic and ruthless Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro). Bernthal plays Ted, Kate’s police officer boyfriend, leaving a lasting impression despite limited screen time.

Even after all these years, Sicario remains a masterclass in tension and a gripping thriller, bolstered by its impressive cast.

Upon its release in 2015, Sicario received widespread acclaim, boasting a 91% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and earning three Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Sound Editing. While the 2018 sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, brought back del Toro and Brolin, it didn’t quite reach the critical heights of Villeneuve’s original, especially without Blunt reprising her role as Kate Macer.

A third installment, reportedly titled Sicario: Capos, has been in the works for several years, with producers expressing hopes of reuniting Blunt, del Toro, and Brolin if the project progresses. Although Bernthal’s character isn’t central to the franchise, making a return unlikely, anything is possible in the world of film.

Regardless of whether he returns to the Sicario universe, the film’s recent streaming success serves as a reminder that Bernthal’s memorable supporting role still resonates with audiences.