The latest installment of Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series, Wake Up Dead Man, arrives in theaters on November 27th and streams on Netflix starting December 12th. The film brings back detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, to unravel another complex mystery alongside a star-studded cast including Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, and Jeremy Renner, sparking renewed interest in Johnson’s popular whodunnit franchise. Despite the excitement, there is growing concern that Johnson’s deepening involvement with Netflix might delay or even prevent his return to directing entirely original films.
Rian Johnson’s Talent for Elevating Original Films into Major Hits
After facing a divisive response to Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which could have ended his mainstream career, Rian Johnson surprised many by delivering Knives Out, a uniquely original murder mystery that became a breakout hit in 2019, grossing $312 million worldwide. This unexpected success helped establish a franchise when Netflix acquired the sequel rights for $450 million in 2021. Johnson followed up with Glass Onion in 2022, successfully convincing Netflix to allow theatrical releases for both sequels despite the platform’s usual avoidance of theaters.
Johnson originally built his reputation through innovative, genre-driven works like Brick, The Brothers Bloom, and Looper, earning respect for his ability to transform indie and mid-budget stories into events that captivate broad audiences. His work on the Breaking Bad episode Ozymandias is often hailed as television’s finest hour, further showcasing his command of narrative tension and craftsmanship. His skill in balancing intricate concepts and character depth helped Looper, a time-travel crime thriller featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis, become one of the most underrated films of the last decade.
Why Johnson’s Return to Original Films Matters
Although Knives Out and its sequels are original works, they heavily reference classic murder mysteries and share traits with films like The Last of Sheila and Clue. Johnson’s ability to infuse personal themes, such as social commentary on internet culture and influencers in Glass Onion, gives his films a contemporary relevance uncommon in big-budget cinema. However, remaining confined to the Benoit Blanc universe risks limiting his creative growth, particularly as Netflix’s investment strategy may prioritize safe, familiar returns over groundbreaking projects.
Johnson’s earlier films like Brick and Looper exhibit a gritty, innovative edge that contrasts with the polished comedic tone of the Knives Out series. While fans and critics admire his mystery films, the director’s broader talents shine brightest in original narratives that explore new ideas and genres. Holding onto the established franchise could dilute his ambition, which would be a missed opportunity given his unique ability to blend genre inventiveness with rich storytelling.
At this career stage, Johnson holds a rare position of influence. Successfully transitioning from a divisive Star Wars director to the creator of an acclaimed original franchise places him in a distinctive spot to shape the future of cinematic storytelling. In an industry increasingly dominated by franchises and intellectual property, Johnson’s return to truly original films would signal an important commitment to innovation and artistic risk. The example set by Ryan Coogler, who expanded his success from Black Panther to the original film Sinners, highlights the creative and cultural impact such choices can have beyond the box office.
Netflix’s conventional release approach, favoring streaming over prolonged theatrical runs, may hamper Wake Up Dead Man’s chance to become a significant cultural event comparable to the original Knives Out. Despite Glass Onion’s popularity, its limited theater presence restricted wider word-of-mouth momentum. Given Johnson’s curiosity and originality, many hope he will soon shift focus back to fresh concepts and stories outside the safety of phased sequels.
A Closer Look at the Latest Cast of Wake Up Dead Man
The new Knives Out film continues to draw a powerful ensemble that enriches the mystery narrative. Daniel Craig reprises his role as the sharp and enigmatic detective Benoit Blanc. Among the varied suspects is Josh O’Connor as Rev. Jud Duplenticy, alongside notable names like Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, and Jeremy Renner, whose performances contribute fresh energy and complexity to the evolving Whodunnit formula.
