Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director behind the popular “Knives Out” series, has shared that he possesses initial conceptual ideas for a potential fourth film in the franchise. Following the release of “Wake Up Dead Man” on December 12, 2023, Johnson expressed his creative thoughts during an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
In discussing the future of the series, Johnson noted, “I have some basic, elemental, conceptual ideas. Like, ‘Okay, it’d be interesting if it were this kind of thing’ kernels.” Although he has not yet developed concrete themes or settings, he emphasized the importance of maintaining an open and vague approach until he is ready to dive deeper into the writing process.
Wake Up Dead Man, the third installment starring Daniel Craig as the charming detective Benoit Blanc, made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023 and was released in select theaters on November 26, 2023. The film’s addition to Netflix marked another significant chapter in the franchise, which began with the original “Knives Out” in 2019.
Johnson highlighted that each film in the “Knives Out” series is designed to reflect the current cultural moment. He stated, “Part of making these movies, for me, is reacting to the present moment… in terms of what we’re all feeling in the world at that moment.” This approach underlines his belief that the intricate plots and themes are shaped by contemporary experiences, rather than being timeless narratives.
As he contemplates the next phase of the franchise, Johnson plans to direct at least one original film before returning to the “Knives Out” universe. His commitment to ensuring that the films resonate with audiences at the time of their release suggests that he is keen to develop stories that reflect evolving societal sentiments.
The “Knives Out” series has garnered critical acclaim, with Netflix acquiring the rights for two sequels after the success of the first film. The second installment, “Glass Onion,” was released in 2022, further solidifying the franchise’s popularity.
While fans eagerly await the next chapter, Johnson’s thoughtful approach to storytelling indicates that it will be worth the wait. With a focus on how the films capture the essence of their respective times, the future of the “Knives Out” series remains a topic of great interest among viewers and critics alike.
