Rian Johnson Vows Knives Out Will Last Beyond Netflix

Rian Johnson’s detective mystery series, Knives Out, featuring Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, is continuing to capture attention as the latest installment, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, approaches its release. Although the Netflix deal for the series wraps up with this third film, Johnson remains optimistic about the franchise’s longevity and its potential to extend well beyond its current distribution home.

Johnson’s Enthusiasm for Continuing the Benoit Blanc Series

Speaking at the BFI London Film Festival during a screening of Wake Up Dead Man, Johnson emphasized his excitement for more projects in the series. He stated,

“I don’t feel burnt out doing these at all. If anything I feel energized after doing this one… 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’ll translate to a new experience for the audience.”

This energy underlines Johnson’s commitment to crafting new stories that keep the audience engaged while challenging both himself and Craig creatively.

Continuing Audience Interest and the Series’ Unique Appeal

The Knives Out franchise has resonated with viewers for several reasons. Beyond Daniel Craig’s engaging portrayal of Benoit Blanc, the films have drawn praise for their compelling ensemble casts and sharp social commentary. The series revives classic mystery storytelling for contemporary viewers, much like Johnson’s television series Poker Face, starring Natasha Lyonne. Both projects bring character-driven sleuth narratives into the modern era, blending suspense and satire in a way that has clearly sustained audience enthusiasm.

Concerns Regarding Daniel Craig’s Future as Benoit Blanc

While public interest in the franchise remains strong, there are questions about Craig’s willingness to continue in the role. Known for his iconic portrayal of James Bond, Craig has openly expressed frustration with that character, once stating in relation to Bond,

“I rather break this glass and slit my wrists”

during the promotion of Spectre. Although he returned for one final Bond film alongside Ana de Armas, the exhaustion with long-running roles was evident. It remains uncertain how long Craig will want to carry the Benoit Blanc character forward given his past reluctance towards similar commitments.

Potential Distribution and Studio Opportunities Beyond Netflix

Originally, Knives Out was distributed by Lionsgate, and Johnson’s recent projects, including Poker Face, involve Universal. Additionally, Johnson maintains connections with influential industry figures such as Kathleen Kennedy despite past controversies related to his work on Star Wars: The Last Jedi. These factors suggest that if Netflix steps away after the third film, other studios may step in to continue the franchise, which has proven to be a reliable success. Johnson expressed confidence in this possibility, noting his enthusiasm for keeping the series alive.

Johnson’s Commitment to the Franchise’s Longevity

At the London Film Festival, Johnson conveyed his long-term dedication to the Knives Out series, saying,

“For now, I’d be thrilled to keep making these for the rest of my life,”

demonstrating his desire to continue delivering new mysteries to audiences, provided there is both support from studios and ongoing audience interest.

Upcoming Release Dates and What Lies Ahead

Wake Up Dead Man is set to release in theaters on November 26, 2025, followed by a Netflix release on December 12, 2025. As this chapter closes with Netflix, the franchise’s future remains open, driven by Johnson’s dedication and the popular appeal of Benoit Blanc’s character. Whether through new partnerships or continued creative exploration, Knives Out’s legacy is likely to endure beyond its current distribution model.