Rian Johnson Hits Pause on Knives Out — Here's What's Next
With Wake Up Dead Man slated for a fall release, Knives Out director Rian Johnson is hitting pause on the franchise.
Benoit Blanc fans, enjoy this next case while it lasts: Rian Johnson says the script on his desk right now is not another Knives Out. Translation: after the upcoming Wake Up Dead Man, the Blanc express is making at least one stop to stretch its legs.
Johnson is stepping away (for now), by choice
In a new chat with Deadline, Johnson made it clear he is switching gears after three straight Benoit Blanc mysteries.
I am writing right now, [but] it is not one of these films. It is just something completely different, an original thing. I actually feel very energized after making this one, but this is three in a row. It is probably healthy to see other people.
That is not code for a breakup with the franchise, just a breather.
Blanc is not done — as long as it stays fun
Johnson also reiterated he is game to keep making Knives Out movies with Daniel Craig if they can keep topping themselves.
So as long as audiences want to keep seeing it, and Daniel and I are still having fun making them and still feel like we can come up with stuff that feels not just fresh, but a fresh challenge for us, I think that will translate to a new experience for the audience.
In other words: the door is open, but do not expect another Blanc case to arrive on an automatic timer.
The immediate future
- Wake Up Dead Man, the third Knives Out, is set for November 26 and is headed to Netflix and theaters.
- Johnson’s next movie will be an original story that is not part of the Knives Out series.
- He did not share any plot details or where it will be produced or distributed.
- His Netflix deal has wrapped, which means the new project could land anywhere — a notable shift after the streamer bankrolled the last two Blanc outings.
- As Wake Up Dead Man gets closer, Johnson and the stacked ensemble will be out on the promo circuit, so expect more hints about the franchise’s future then.
Bottom line: Wake Up Dead Man is our next dose of Blanc, but if you were counting on the series to keep hitting on a tidy, every-few-years rhythm after that, maybe temper expectations. Honestly, a quick detour for a fresh Johnson original sounds like a healthy move for everyone involved.
Where do you want this to go — more Blanc immediately, or let Johnson bounce between whodunits and new toys for a while?