Rian Johnson, renowned for directing and writing the Knives Out series starring Daniel Craig, is preparing to take on his next project—a sci-fi thriller inspired by 1970s paranoid thrillers. This upcoming film marks Johnson’s return to the science fiction genre, building on his experience with past works like Looper and The Last Jedi.
Rian Johnson’s Career and Recent Successes
Johnson’s recent achievements include the Knives Out franchise, which achieved widespread acclaim and box office success with a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. He directed and produced the original film and its sequels, Glass Onion and Wake Up Dead Man, solidifying his reputation in the mystery genre. Additionally, Johnson is known for having directed The Last Jedi, the second installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, and the 2012 sci-fi thriller Looper.
Inspiration for the Upcoming Sci-Fi Thriller
In a discussion with Empire, Johnson revealed that his next movie will draw heavily from ’70s paranoid thriller films, while incorporating subtle elements of science fiction. He described the project as something exciting that he is currently developing, emphasizing a creative process led by instinct and exploration of the story’s core idea.
“The most exciting thing right now is this idea I have in my head for the next thing I’m gonna make, and I think ultimately, that’s all you can do, is just kind of follow your nose. If I had to define it genre-wise, I’d say it harkens back to the ’70s paranoid thrillers. It’s got a light sci-fi element to it.”
– Rian Johnson, Director
Blending Experience from Previous Projects
Johnson’s experience with Looper, which featured a time-travel assassination plot and starred Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Emily Blunt, is especially relevant to this project. Looper earned critical praise and holds a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that Johnson’s blend of thrilling narratives and sci-fi concepts has proven effective before. This background gives him a strong foundation to approach his current sci-fi thriller.
Potential Return to Star Wars
While Johnson’s immediate focus is on his new film, he also voiced ongoing passion for Star Wars, a franchise that combines science fiction with fantasy elements. He indicated that he would welcome the opportunity to return if it aligns well with both his vision and Disney’s plans.
“That cog will be turning the rest of my life. I love Star Wars. And if some day it makes sense to come back to it, for both of us, it would be the most wonderful thing in the world.”
– Rian Johnson, Director
Uncertain Release Strategy Amid Streaming Trends
The distribution method for Johnson’s upcoming project remains undecided. His previous film Glass Onion had a limited theatrical run before launching on Netflix, and Wake Up Dead Man is set to follow a similar pattern with a limited theatrical release in late November and a Netflix release in December. Johnson’s strong relationship with Netflix opens the possibility of another streaming partnership, though he also expressed appreciation for the traditional movie theater experience.
The success of recent original films like Sinners has convinced Johnson that unique stories can still resonate on the big screen, despite the growing dominance of streaming platforms. This suggests he values flexible release options that honor both theatrical viewing and digital accessibility.
What This Means for Audiences and the Industry
Rian Johnson’s return to sci-fi thriller territory with a ’70s-inspired approach signals a fresh yet nostalgic direction for his filmmaking. Leveraging his versatility—from the mystery puzzles in Knives Out to the time-bending narrative of Looper—Johnson is poised to deliver a story that appeals to fans of suspense and science fiction alike. The outcome, whether showcased in cinemas or streamed at home, is likely to add another compelling chapter to his diverse filmography and attract considerable attention from both critics and moviegoers.
