Director Rian Johnson plans to continue creating Knives Out mysteries even after completing the two sequels under his Netflix deal. Johnson, speaking at the BFI London Film Festival, shared his enthusiasm for the franchise and his ongoing collaboration with Daniel Craig, the star who portrays detective Benoit Blanc. The filmmaker emphasized that as long as audiences remain interested and he and Craig find fresh challenges in storytelling, he intends to keep producing new films in the series. This reflects Johnson’s desire to maintain the energy and creativity that the mysteries inspire in him.
His latest project under the deal is Wake Up Dead Man, the second sequel following 2022’s Glass Onion. Both films are part of a $450 million agreement with Netflix, which acquired rights to the sequels after the original 2019 Knives Out was a surprise box office success. The director expressed no signs of fatigue with the franchise, stating,
“I don’t feel burnt out doing these at all. If anything I feel energized after doing this one,”
and added,
“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,”
Rian Johnson said.
Netflix’s Release Strategy and Its Impact on the Franchise
The older sequel, Glass Onion, was met with frustration from Johnson and Craig due to Netflix’s limited theatrical release, which lasted only one week. For Wake Up Dead Man, Netflix has extended the theater run to two weeks, starting November 26, before the movie becomes available for streaming on December 12. The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and received positive reviews, suggesting a strong rollout for the newest Benoit Blanc mystery.
The limited theatrical release raises questions about how sustainable the partnership is for continuing the series with Netflix. Johnson’s desire to keep making these mysteries could be influenced by how well the new sequel performs in cinemas and on streaming platforms. There is speculation about whether future installments might migrate to other distributors such as Lionsgate, which handled the original film’s release in 2019. For now, early reactions indicate that Wake Up Dead Man is maintaining the series’ reputation for clever plotting and engaging performances.
The Star-Studded Cast and New Developments in Wake Up Dead Man
Daniel Craig reprises his role as Benoit Blanc, investigating a baffling murder with the killer hidden among an ensemble of notable actors. The cast includes Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Cailee Spaeny, Kerry Washington, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, and Daryl McCormack. This stellar lineup adds depth and intrigue to the story, helping to keep fans engaged with fresh dynamics and interaction between the characters.
The film continues to explore complex themes, while Johnson’s storytelling promises to deliver compelling twists consistent with the series’ previous installments. The narrative’s mixture of suspense and character-driven moments aligns with the audience’s expectations established by the prior films.
What Lies Ahead for the Knives Out Franchise
Despite the optimistic tone from Johnson about continuing the Knives Out mysteries, uncertainty surrounds whether Netflix will maintain its involvement beyond the current two-sequel contract. Johnson acknowledged this unpredictability but affirmed his enthusiasm for the series, stating,
“For now, I’d be thrilled to keep making these for the rest of my life,”
Rian Johnson told Variety.
The future of the franchise may depend on the reception of Wake Up Dead Man and the evolving relationship between Johnson, Craig, and their distribution partners. With audiences eagerly awaiting the next chapter, the franchise’s trajectory will be shaped by both creative ambitions and business decisions over the coming months. This ongoing commitment to storytelling ensures that fans of the Benoit Blanc mysteries can hope for more engaging puzzles to solve in the future.
