Rian Johnson, the celebrated filmmaker known for his work on “Knives Out” and more, has revealed plans for an upcoming project that promises to merge 1970s-style paranoia with science fiction elements, marking a fresh direction following his current film, “Wake Up Dead Man.” The new Rian Johnson sci-fi thriller arises from his two-picture arrangement with Warner Bros. inked earlier in 2024, with details beginning to emerge as “Wake Up Dead Man” prepares for its December 12 Netflix premiere following a theatrical release next week.
Early Hints Reveal Inspiration and Tone
In a recent conversation with IndieWire, Johnson gave audiences an initial glimpse into his creative process for the untitled project. The director described the work-in-progress as,
“I’d call it a paranoid thriller. A ‘70s paranoid thriller, sort of,”
Rian Johnson, Director. He expanded on this idea, emphasizing his enthusiasm by adding,
“With a sci-fi twinge. I’m still thinking about it, but I’m really excited about it.”
Rian Johnson, Director. Johnson’s statements echo remarks shared in an interview with Empire, where he further clarified,
“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.
This approach hints at a project shaped by the tense, cerebral atmosphere of classic paranoid thrillers from filmmakers like Alan J. Pakula, whose works include “Klute” and “The Parallax View.” Other notable influences from the era are Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Conversation” and “Marathon Man.” While these films rarely include overt sci-fi features, Johnson’s new effort is set to incorporate subtle science fiction motifs, making it a unique blend in his filmography.
Blending Paranoid Thrillers With Subtle Sci-Fi Elements
The landscape of 1970s thrillers seldom featured science fiction. Classic titles like “All The President’s Men,” “Three Days Of The Condor,” and Alan J. Pakula’s and Francis Ford Coppola’s works are remembered for their suspenseful narratives and political intrigue. Some films that did attempt to mix science fiction with a paranoid tone, such as “Soylent Green” or the 1978 remake of “Invasion Of The Body Snatchers,” are rarely classified as true paranoid thrillers. John Frankenheimer’s “Seconds,” produced in 1966, is another example that experimented with similar themes, but remains outside the typical paranoid thriller of the era.
Rian Johnson’s reputation for subverting audience expectations could see him take a more nuanced approach to genre hybridity, rather than deploying overtly science fictional tropes. His prior forays into the genre with “Looper” in 2012 and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” in 2017 demonstrate his ability to balance narrative complexity with inventive genre storytelling, keeping viewers and critics engaged in speculation over the precise shape his next narrative will assume.
Production Timeline Remains Unclear
Details about the new movie’s schedule are still unknown, with no official word on either production or casting. This positions the Rian Johnson sci-fi thriller as just one of several projects under his direction. Other initiatives include further installments in the “Knives Out” franchise and a potential revival of “Poker Face,” this time rumored to involve Peter Dinklage if a network is secured, picking up where Natasha Lyonne left off as the lead. Johnson’s fans and industry watchers may have to wait, as he has historically spaced his film projects no more than five years apart, suggesting an eventual update is likely but not immediate.
Looking Ahead to Johnson’s Next Move
The new Rian Johnson sci-fi thriller stands out for its promising mix of ‘70s-inspired paranoia and imaginative science fiction. Though specifics about plot and casting remain under wraps, the director’s history of genre innovation and his engagement with major studios like Warner Bros. and Netflix set high expectations. As anticipation builds, cinephiles and fans of Johnson’s distinctive storytelling style can look forward to more information as the project develops, recognizing the potential for a fresh and thoughtful addition to modern genre cinema.
