Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director behind the “Knives Out” film series, has revealed that he is already contemplating ideas for a fourth installment, even as his latest film, “Wake Up Dead Man,” premiered on Netflix on December 12, 2023. The third film in the franchise features the return of Daniel Craig as the beloved detective Benoit Blanc and explores a new murder mystery.
In an interview with *Entertainment Weekly*, Johnson shared that he has some “basic, elemental, conceptual ideas” for the upcoming film. He emphasized that while he has intriguing kernels of thought, he does not yet have a concrete theme or specific location in mind. “It’s really pretty vague,” he noted, explaining that he prefers to keep things open until he is ready to dive into the writing process.
Future Plans for the Franchise
Johnson expressed a desire to direct at least one original film before returning to the “Knives Out” series. He believes that each movie in the franchise should reflect its respective time period, suggesting that the intricate plots and themes should not be rushed. “Part of making these movies, for me, is reacting to the present moment,” Johnson stated. He clarified that this reaction is not limited to current events or politics but rather encompasses the collective feelings of society at that moment.
“I like that these movies are not timeless, per se,” he added. Johnson wants the films to resonate with audiences by capturing a sense of what it feels like to live in the present.
The “Knives Out” series began in 2019 with the release of the first film, which quickly garnered critical acclaim and box office success. Subsequently, Netflix acquired the rights to produce two sequels. The second film, “Glass Onion,” was released in 2022 and continued the series’ tradition of engaging storytelling and clever twists.
As for “Wake Up Dead Man,” it had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023 before being released in select theaters on November 26, 2023. The film has already sparked interest among audiences and critics alike, setting the stage for Johnson’s next creative endeavors.
In summary, while Rian Johnson is in the early stages of conceptualizing the next chapter in the “Knives Out” series, he remains focused on creating films that are reflective of their time. As he balances between original projects and sequels, fans can expect more engaging mysteries in the future.
