It has been over a decade since we last saw the McManus brothers rotting in a prison cell, and frankly, the road to a third film has been as messy as a shootout in a Boston alley. Fans have been burned before. We’ve heard the rumors, the "it’s happening" tweets, and the heartbreaking "it’s dead" interviews. But things changed recently. In 2024, a massive update shook the production out of its long-term coma, finally giving us some concrete clues about the cast of the Boondock Saints 3.
The movie is moving forward, but it’s not exactly what people expected.
The Core Duo: Reedus and Flanery are Back
Let’s get the big one out of the way. You can't have Boondock Saints without Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery. It’s impossible. They are the soul of the franchise. For years, the project was stalled because of rights issues and friction with the original director, Troy Duffy. However, Thunder Road—the powerhouse production company behind John Wick—stepped in to shepherd the project.
Reedus and Flanery aren't just starring; they’re reportedly taking on a more active role in the creative direction this time around. That’s a huge relief. Norman Reedus is a global superstar now thanks to The Walking Dead, and he doesn't need this movie for the paycheck. He’s doing it because he loves Murphy McManus. Sean Patrick Flanery is equally vocal about his commitment. They’ve both officially signed on to reprise their roles as the vigilante brothers.
Seeing them on screen together in 2026 or whenever this finally hits will be jarring but cool. They aren't the young, wiry kids from 1999 anymore. They’re older, grizzled, and likely much more dangerous. The dynamic will have to shift from "impulsive youth" to "seasoned operators."
What About the Director?
Here is where the cast of the Boondock Saints 3 news gets interesting—or controversial, depending on how much you like the original's "vibe." Troy Duffy, the man who wrote and directed the first two films, is not returning to direct this one. He is, however, credited with writing the script and will likely have a producer role.
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Thunder Road is looking for a new director. This is actually a good sign for the cast. A fresh director means a more modern approach to the action, similar to the high-octane choreography we see in John Wick or Nobody. This allows the actors to work with a filmmaker who can balance the grit of the original with the polished expectations of today's audience.
The Il Duce Question
One of the biggest holes in the potential lineup is Billy Connolly. His portrayal of Noah "Il Duce" McManus was legendary. He provided the gravity that the first film desperately needed. However, Billy Connolly has largely retired from acting due to his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Honestly? It’s unlikely we’ll see him in a major capacity. The story might have to address his passing or have him appear in a very limited, stationary cameo. Replacing him would be a mistake. You don’t just "re-cast" Billy Connolly. If the production is smart, they’ll use his absence as a massive character motivator for Murphy and Connor.
New Blood and the "John Wick" Influence
Since Thunder Road is involved, expect the supporting cast of the Boondock Saints 3 to be stacked with character actors you recognize from other gritty action franchises. There’s a specific "flavor" to movies produced by Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee. They love casting people who can actually move and perform stunts.
We don't have confirmed names for the villains yet, but the rumor mill suggests they are looking for a heavy-hitter to play the primary antagonist—someone who can match the intensity of the brothers. The original film thrived on its "everyman" feel, but the third installment seems to be aiming for a "reimagining" of the scale. It’s moving away from the indie-sleaze aesthetic and toward a "prestige action" look.
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Will We See the Detectives?
The three detectives—Duffy, Dolly, and Greenly—were the comedic backbone of the first two movies. David Della Rocco (The Funny Man) is a fan favorite, though his character "died" in the first film. He did return for a dream sequence in the second, so never say never.
As for the cops, it’s a toss-up. Willem Dafoe’s Paul Smecker is the white whale of this production. His performance in the 1999 original is one of the most iconic "eccentric genius" roles in cinema history. He made a brief appearance at the end of All Saints Day, signaling he was still in the mix. Getting Dafoe back would be the ultimate win for the cast of the Boondock Saints 3. Without him, there’s a massive charisma gap that’s hard to fill. If he isn't available, they’ll need a new "handler" figure—perhaps a younger FBI agent who is obsessed with the McManus legend.
The Reality of Production Delays
Let’s be real for a second. This movie has been in "development hell" for so long that it started to feel like a myth. The reason it’s actually moving now is the shift in ownership. For a long time, the rights were tangled in a way that made it impossible for anyone to make money. Now that the actors and a major studio are aligned, the "cast" is more than just a list of names; it’s a business partnership.
The script reportedly focuses on the "next generation" of saints to some degree, but fans shouldn't worry—Reedus and Flanery are the leads. They aren't passing the torch in the first ten minutes.
Why the Wait Actually Helps
If they had made this movie in 2012, it might have felt like a cheap straight-to-DVD sequel. By waiting, the cast of the Boondock Saints 3 has aged into the roles in a way that feels authentic. We want to see how twenty years of violence and prison have changed these men.
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The action movie landscape has also improved. We’re in an era where stunts are respected again. This means the cast will likely undergo significant tactical training, moving away from the "spray and pray" gunfights of the 90s into something much more deliberate and cinematic.
Expected Roles and Archetypes
While we wait for the full press release, we can look at the narrative needs of the story to see who else will fill out the room:
- The New Protégé: There is almost certainly going to be a younger character who looks up to the brothers. This is a classic trope, but it works to bring in a new audience.
- The High-Level Mob Boss: The Saints always need a target. With the Italian mob mostly dismantled in the previous films, expect a more globalized threat.
- The Moral Compass: Someone usually has to tell the brothers they’re going too far. Whether that’s a priest or a surviving family member remains to be seen.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you’re tracking the progress of this film, don't just rely on IMDB—it’s often updated by fans and can be inaccurate. Follow the official social media accounts of Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery. They are the most reliable sources for when cameras actually start rolling.
Keep an eye on trade publications like Deadline or The Hollywood Reporter for "Greenlight" announcements. That is the moment when the cast of the Boondock Saints 3 becomes a reality instead of a plan.
Until then, re-watch the original. Not the sequel—the original. It reminds you why we cared about these characters in the first place. The grit, the brotherhood, and the absolute chaos of the McManus brothers are what make the wait worth it. The production is finally in the right hands, and for the first time in fifteen years, the Saints are actually coming.