Rian Johnson’s Knives Out franchise continues to gain momentum with the release of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, now available on Netflix, drawing attention for both its ensemble cast and the possibility of future entries. The director, who launched the successful anthology with Knives Out in 2019, has openly discussed his aspirations for the series, including his interest in bringing Hollywood legend Meryl Streep into the fold, an idea that has fueled excitement among fans of the Rian Johnson Knives Out franchise.
Wake Up Dead Man Delivers All-Star Cast and Intriguing Plot
Following the critical and popular successes of Knives Out and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Johnson has delivered a third entry in 2025 featuring Daniel Craig once again as Benoit Blanc. This latest installment showcases performances from Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Thomas Haden Church, and Jeffrey Wright. The film, like its predecessors, puts a fresh spin on the whodunnit formula, expanding the franchise’s rich tradition of inventive mysteries and high-caliber acting.
Rian Johnson Sets His Sights on Meryl Streep
Discussing the future of the series, Johnson shared his dream cast with IndieWire, candidly expressing admiration for several renowned screen talents. He stated,
“There are so many great actors I’d like to work with,”
Rian Johnson, Director. He continued by addressing one of his top choices:
“But, yes, if you’re reading this, Meryl Streep, I feel like you’d slot into a murder mystery very well.”
Rian Johnson, Director.
While fans may find the possibility of Streep joining irresistible, Johnson made it clear that there is no singular must-have actor for these films, saying,
“there is nobody who is like the white whale.”
Rian Johnson, Director.
The director emphasized that casting is a complex process, explaining,
“The reality is it’s a casting process, and you’re going after movie stars who have busy schedules, and you get a yes or no,”
Rian Johnson, Director. Regardless of who is chosen, Johnson noted the magic happens once filming begins:
“But at the end of the day, you make the movie, and you can’t imagine anyone else in the part.”
Rian Johnson, Director.
Daniel Craig’s Returning Role and Production Details
Central to the continuity of the franchise is Daniel Craig, whom Johnson credits as an essential collaborator:
“For me, personally, these movies are working with Daniel,”
Rian Johnson, Director. He added,
“It’s a partnership. And the instant either one of us feels even slightly like not doing it, we’ll stop doing it.”
Rian Johnson, Director.
Johnson further shared that his agreement with Netflix only covered the production of two films beyond the original, meaning his directorial contract for Knives Out sequels does not currently extend beyond Glass Onion and Wake Up Dead Man.
Franchise’s Future and the Allure of Mystery
Although there is uncertainty about additional sequels, Johnson remained enthusiastic about the possibilities within the genre:
“The thing is, it really is true that if you’re a fan of the whodunnit genre, you’re aware of how broad a spectrum the mystery movie can be.”
Rian Johnson, Director. With Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery now streaming, viewers can experience the latest chapter and wonder who might join the Rian Johnson Knives Out franchise next.
The future of the series remains open, but fans and industry watchers alike will be keen to see if Meryl Streep or other Hollywood talents join Daniel Craig and Rian Johnson in a potential next mystery for Netflix.
