Rian Johnson, the visionary behind the Knives Out franchise, has enthusiastically embraced a parody that combines his popular detective series with the charm of Muppets, fulfilling a long-standing fan wish. The new parody, showcased on Netflix through a Sesame Street sketch, humorously melds Benoit Blanc’s mystery-solving prowess with the playful style of characters like Kermit, Fozzie, and Cookie Monster, sparking renewed excitement for a potential Rian Johnson Muppet Knives Out crossover.
Sesame Street Parody Blends Mystery With Whimsy
For years, both cinephiles and dedicated followers of the Muppets have imagined what Knives Out would look like if given a Muppet twist. With Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc at the helm, the scenario of Blanc unraveling mysteries among an ensemble of beloved puppets seemed destined for comedic and narrative gold. While the actual crossover has yet to happen, the recent Netflix parody, titled Forks Out, brings audiences one step closer by placing a puppet version of Benoit Blanc on Sesame Street.
The sketch cleverly centers on the case of Cookie Monster’s missing pie, with Benoit Blanc called in to solve the crime. Throughout the segment, Johnson’s signature character blends seamlessly into the world of Sesame Street, working alongside legendary children’s TV figures like Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, and, of course, Cookie Monster. The piece, shared widely online, captures attention for its lighthearted yet authentic approach to both series’ core elements. Rian Johnson, delighted by the project, shared the video clip himself, saying,
OK FINE(This brings me so much joy)(And #WakeUpDeadMan is in theaters – see my pinned tweet for a theater finder link!) https://t.co/YmboSIzq6g— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) December 2, 2025
The parody not only delivered laughs but demonstrated just how naturally Benoit Blanc fits among the Muppets’ eccentric personalities, even within the wholesome universe of Sesame Street.
Proof of Concept for a Muppet-Knives Out Crossover
The enthusiastic reception to Forks Out speaks volumes about the underlying compatibility between Knives Out’s comedic murder mystery format and the enduring appeal of the Muppets. Sesame Street, historically crafted for children but beloved by generations, proved to be a welcoming setting for the detective’s theatrical, accent-heavy persona. As Benoit Blanc dove into the investigation alongside Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch, the writers skillfully maintained the detective’s flair, ensuring his presence never overshadowed the show’s gentle humor.
Capturing the essence of Ryan Johnson’s character, the parody achieved a compelling mix of wit and warmth, echoing the way Knives Out films combine sharp detective work with moments of levity. Throughout the investigation, Blanc’s methodical unveiling of clues came through clearly, while the energy and spirit of Sesame Street remained intact. Children watching were introduced to life lessons sprinkled amid the playful banter, and nothing was lost from the show’s foundational mission of education through entertainment. Meanwhile, adult fans of Knives Out will find themselves just as entertained by Blanc’s keen deductive reasoning and the clever homages woven throughout.
The segment offered strong proof positive that combining these two franchises could go far beyond a one-off skit. The video’s success fanned the flames among those who have yearned for a feature-length Muppet Knives Out collaboration. With the Muppets’ legacy of blending zany puppet antics with dramatic performances—a tradition traceable to classics like Michael Caine’s turn in The Muppet Christmas Carol—the idea of an entire movie anchored by both universes feels well within reach. Yet, the parody also highlights the tonal balancing act such a project would require, as the grounded mysteries of Knives Out would have to harmonize with the Muppets’ whimsical comedy.
Challenges and Possibilities for a Full Feature
As the segment’s popularity grows, so do calls for Rian Johnson to greenlight a full-scale Knives Out and Muppets film. While Wake Up Dead Man, Johnson’s latest and possibly final installment under Netflix’s current deal, closes an existing chapter for the franchise, it does not necessarily mark the end for Benoit Blanc’s adventures. Given the format’s flexibility—each entry assembling a fresh ensemble cast led by Daniel Craig—there remains ample room for innovation and expansion.
Johnson, aware of the persistent fan demand, has voiced reservations about merging the two properties due to their different narrative tones. While television or streaming can readily accommodate a brief, tongue-in-cheek crossover, producing a feature-length film would pose a unique creative challenge, requiring careful orchestration of tension, comedy, and the innocent spirit the Muppets represent. These factors make a cinematic collaboration far more complicated than a short sketch, but the positive reception and demonstrated chemistry between the two worlds offer inspiration for Johnson to reconsider the possibilities.
The Muppets’ long history of succeeding alongside serious actors shows that, with the right script and approach, they could anchor a more complex story like a Knives Out mystery. The lighthearted moments and comedic flair present in Johnson’s mysteries already blur the lines between drama and comedy, creating a bridge on which a crossover could be realized. If Johnson finds the right idea and strikes the balance, securing the support of both Disney, which owns the Muppet brand, and Netflix, which distributes Knives Out, could open the door for this much-anticipated feature.
The Lasting Impact of the Parody and Potential Future Collaborations
As speculation continues, the Forks Out parody stands as a lively precedent for cross-franchise experimentation. The sketch demonstrates not only the versatility of Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc but also the enduring lure of the Muppets as platforms for inventive storytelling. The response has invigorated conversations online and within pop culture forums, drawing attention to other instances where the Muppets have enhanced dramatic works through clever juxtaposition and expressive performances.
The popularity of the parody could encourage stakeholders, including organizations like Disney and Netflix, to consider pushing boundaries with future projects. Fans, both young and old, have been reinvigorated, voicing their excitement for new takes on established universes and continuing to campaign for the film version they hope might follow. Whether or not Johnson ultimately decides to pursue a feature-length crossover, the energy surrounding this parody will undoubtedly influence creative collaborations across film and television.
With Rian Johnson’s career marked by passion for innovation and a willingness to blur genres, his celebration of the Forks Out sketch signals a recognition of what such creative risk-taking can achieve. As discussions continue and anticipation builds, both franchises stand poised for further reinvention—a testament to the power of merging unexpected creative forces. Fans can only hope that Benoit Blanc’s next chapter could involve more than one kind of puppet on the case.
Wake Up Dead Man Trailer Shows First Look at Netflix’s Star-Packed Knives Out 3
OK FINE
(This brings me so much joy)
(And #WakeUpDeadMan is in theaters – see my pinned tweet for a theater finder link!) https://t.co/YmboSIzq6g— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) December 2, 2025
