Troy Duffy on Boondock Saints 3, a TV Series, and What Almost Killed the Saints
Whenever I’m talking movies with friends new and old, there seems to be a common mutual enjoyment, if not love, for The Boondock Saints.
I was a post-theatrical release lover of the vigilante duo and in 2013, I actually had the opportunity to talk to director Troy Duffy and fire off a few quick Q&As with him.
Here’s the original recovered article, unchanged. Some info, ideaas and projects may be outdated / already in the bin.
PLUSSSSS, scroll to the very bottom for 2026 updates on Boondock Saints 3.
When asked what he’s currently working on, Duffy replied that he’s currently in a frenzy of research and meetings, putting together scripts and ideas for new projects involving video games and a potential television series based on our beloved Saints.
The most common question asked to him right now by fans is regarding the release date of the final installment of what fans believe will be a complete Boondock Saints trilogy.
He couldn’t give a definite answer as he is in a tossup of what the fan base would prefer, a third film or a television series.
But what if there was no third installment? What if there was no series? What would Troy Duffy have done to the boys if Saints II had been the official end of the vigilante legacy?
Duffy responded saying that while no one ever likes killing off well-loved characters, if there had to be a definite end, he would have had Connor and Murphy die “in a blaze of glory” – but luckily he didn’t have to do that.
Which McManus brother do you feel most connected with?
Connor. I tried to mold the brothers from the friendship I have with my brother.
Which characters do you definitely want to give cameos to in any future Saints productions?
Rocco and Noah. It hurt to let them off, really want them back.
Was Willem Dafoe the first choice for Paul Smecker? He seems to nail the role well.
For Smecker, we had many possibilities and auditions. Willem is talented and semi-crazy and just made the best fit we could ask for.
Which are your personal favorite scenes in the Boondock Saints films?
The toilet scene in the first film as well as the shooting of the cat. That was hilarious.
If you could change anything about the production of the Saints, what would it be?
Shooting The Boondock Saints had high pressure involved because of budgeting and timing. I’d simply just want more time, maybe more of a budget and opportunity to allow the actors to improvise more with the script.
Could you delve deeper into why Louis betrayed Noah in the story, as revealed in BDS II: All Saints Day? Louis discussed it but many fans find it can be open to interpretation.
It’s a story that may continue to be told in a future episode or installment. All that needs to be known for now is that Louis thought he was smart and used Noah to be taken seriously by a group he wanted to be a part of so badly and it backfired.
Do you have a certain writing process when you think of stories?
Not so much You have to pay attention to what the universe gives you. I can’t just sit down and say, “I’m going to write this.
Have you had any ideas recently outside of the Saints phenomenon?
A work in progress is The Good King, a period piece in the 1500′s involving a drunk king and his friend. More to come on that one. The second one is The Blood Spoon Council which will involve vigilantism, the killing of serial killers, justice and deliverance to the FBI.
2026 Updates on Boondock Saints 3
In 2021, news hit the internet of Boondock Saints 3 being in pre-production, set to begin filming in 2022.
After no further official updates for a few years, Norman Reedus mentioned a script being fine tuned for BS3 while on the red carpet promoting Ballerina in the summer of 2025.
He re-confirmed in a later interview, saying the film is coming and to expect a jailbreak by him and Flanery.
Since then, director Troy Duffy has been busy on the Boondock Saints official Instagram account, hinting big things are coming in 2026. However, the most recent news stories claim he has stepped aside as director of BS3, set to be produced by Thunder Road (makers of John Wick) and Dragonfly Films.
“We are pressing on without our longtime friend and Captain, Troy Duffy on this one. He has decided to write a Boondock Saints book series and I can’t wait to read it” – N. Reedus.
Duffy has since released The Boondock Saints Vol 1: Blood Origin.
Available as an ebook or audiobook, Blood Origin expands on the Boondock Saints universe the way Troy Duffy has always wanted, “without the restriction of film runtimes,” and includes details of Il Duce’s Scottish roots plus and an introduction to Annabelle McManus.
