Rian Johnson Knives Out director has made it clear he will continue to direct every film in the celebrated murder mystery franchise. Speaking to Variety, Johnson emphasized his sole creative stewardship, stating that no other writer or director will take charge as long as he remains invested in the series.
“I don’t see it as IP,”
Johnson told Variety, confirming his ongoing personal involvement in the series. He added,
“Each Knives Out film is something I want to make. If that stops being the case, we won’t do another one.”
— Rian Johnson, Director
The Evolution of the Knives Out Series and Its Returning Cast
The first film, Knives Out, launched in 2019 with Daniel Craig and Ana de Armas headlining the cast. The follow-up, Glass Onion, debuted in 2022. This year, the third entry, Wake Up Dead Man, is scheduled for Netflix release on December 12 and is currently playing in theaters. Daniel Craig reprises his role as the charismatic detective Benoit Blanc in all the films.
Creative Decisions Shape the Latest Sequel
In Wake Up Dead Man, Johnson took a creative risk by delaying Daniel Craig’s appearance as Benoit Blanc until 40 minutes into the film. This bold choice, though initially daunting, adds a fresh dynamic to the movie. It continues Johnson’s tradition of subverting expectations while maintaining the tension and entertainment that fans anticipate.
Critical Acclaim for Wake Up Dead Man
Wake Up Dead Man has already garnered significant praise, holding a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and earning enthusiastic reviews. One verdict summarized its appeal:
“Josh O’Connor proves himself as a leading man who can go toe-to-toe with Daniel Craig’s scene-stealing Benoit Blanc in this introspective yet entertaining whodunnit. A vast improvement on Glass Onion, Wake Up Dead Man swaps tech billionaires for corrupt clergy to create a funny, sincere sequel that’s on par with the original Knives Out.”
— Wake Up Dead Man Review
Rian Johnson Remains Energized for Future Films
Expressing creative enthusiasm, Johnson hinted that he and Daniel Craig are already considering ideas for a potential next chapter, saying,
“Creatively, I feel energized after making this one. Daniel and I are already starting to formulate … what could the next one be if we do another one? I don’t know why I would stop doing it if we could keep making them,”
he remarked earlier in the month. — Rian Johnson, Director
The Knives Out Legacy and What Lies Ahead
The successful partnership between Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig appears to be a driving force behind the continued excitement for the Knives Out series. With Wake Up Dead Man currently in theaters and set for a Netflix premiere, the franchise continues to attract interest from both dedicated fans and new viewers. As long as Johnson remains dedicated, audiences can look forward to more inventive entries in this modern whodunnit saga.
