Hold on to your deerstalker hats, mystery fans! It looks like the Knives Out saga might be taking a brief intermission. While we're eagerly anticipating Wake Up Dead Man this November, director Rian Johnson has revealed he's stepping away, at least temporarily, from the world of Benoit Blanc to pursue a brand-new, original project. Is this a cause for concern, or a healthy creative detour?
Speaking with Deadline, Johnson explained that after completing Wake Up Dead Man, his third Knives Out film in a row, he feels the need to "see other people" creatively. In other words, he's diving into something completely different, a fresh, original story outside the confines of the intricate whodunits we've come to adore. But here's where it gets controversial... is this a sign that the Knives Out well is running dry, or simply a necessary breather for the creative genius behind it all?
The Knives Out franchise has undeniably revitalized the mystery genre. For years, mystery movies felt stale, predictable. Then came Knives Out, with its clever writing, sharp social commentary, and a detective who felt both classic and utterly modern. Johnson managed to maintain that spark through Glass Onion, and early buzz suggests Wake Up Dead Man will continue the trend. The trilogy has earned high praise, with Wake Up Dead Man already receiving an impressive 8/10 rating. And this is the part most people miss: the success of Knives Out isn't just about the mysteries themselves; it's about Johnson's ability to constantly reinvent the genre while staying true to its core appeal.
But don't despair, dear readers! Johnson hasn't completely ruled out future Knives Out installments. He recently stated that he'll continue making them "as long as audiences want to keep seeing it, and Daniel [Craig] and I are still having fun making them and still feel like we can come up with stuff that feels not just fresh, but a fresh challenge for us." So, the future of Benoit Blanc rests on our collective shoulders... and the creative energy of its key players.
While Johnson hasn't divulged any details about his upcoming project – its plot, studio, or anything else – the ending of his Netflix deal means the possibilities are virtually limitless. With Wake Up Dead Man's release fast approaching, we can expect Johnson and his star-studded cast to embark on a promotional tour, offering potential hints and insights into the future of the Knives Out universe.
Now, let's open the floor for discussion. Do you believe the Knives Out franchise has the potential to continue for many years to come, perhaps even becoming a cinematic universe with spin-offs and prequels? Or is it best to limit it to a trilogy and let the legacy stand as a testament to perfectly executed mystery storytelling? Could a break actually benefit the franchise in the long run, allowing Johnson to return with even fresher ideas? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! What kind of original project do you hope Johnson tackles next? A sci-fi thriller? A historical epic? Or something completely unexpected?
