Here’s a bold statement: Rian Johnson isn’t ready to say goodbye to Benoit Blanc just yet, even though his Netflix contract is wrapping up. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some might think the mystery series could grow stale, Johnson insists he’s more energized than ever. Could this be the secret sauce to keeping Knives Out fresh? Let’s dive in.
Johnson’s latest installment, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, has already sparked excitement at the Toronto International Film Festival. Our Editor-in-Chief, Chris Bumbray, raved about it in his review (https://www.joblo.com/wake-up-dead-man-review/), calling it another wildly entertaining addition to the series. He praised Josh O’Connor’s performance as the most compelling central character yet and emphasized how the film would thrive in theaters, where the communal experience amplifies the fun.
With Netflix’s two-picture deal ending after Wake Up Dead Man, you’d think Johnson might move on. And this is the part most people miss—he’s not just open to more; he’s downright enthusiastic. At the BFI London Film Festival, Johnson shared, ‘I don’t feel burnt out at all. If anything, I feel energized. As long as audiences are enjoying it, and Daniel [Craig] and I are having fun crafting stories that feel fresh and challenging, I think that energy will translate to the screen.’ He even joked, ‘I’d be thrilled to make these for the rest of my life.’
What’s intriguing is Johnson’s take on Wake Up Dead Man’s tone. Despite its gothic, somber setting, he believes it might be the funniest of the three films. ‘It’s like farting in church,’ he explained. ‘The seriousness makes the humor pop even more.’ It’s a bold creative choice, but does it work? That’s for audiences to decide.
Daniel Craig reprises his role as the eccentric detective Benoit Blanc, joined by a star-studded cast including Thomas Haden Church, Josh Brolin, Josh O’Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Andrew Scott, Kerry Washington, Daryl McCormack, Mila Kunis, Glenn Close, and Jeremy Renner (whose hot sauce cameo in Glass Onion is still a fan favorite). Notably, Hugh Grant’s return as Benoit’s domestic partner Phillip remains uncertain, leaving fans guessing.
Netflix has scheduled a two-week theatrical release starting November 26, followed by a global streaming debut on December 12. This hybrid approach could be a game-changer for the series, blending the best of both worlds.
Now, here’s the question for you: Do you think Johnson can keep the Knives Out series fresh indefinitely, or is there a risk of overstaying its welcome? And how does the blend of gothic seriousness and humor in Wake Up Dead Man strike you? Let’s debate in the comments—I’m all ears!
