Netflix's GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY Getting a Limited Theatrical Release the Week of Thanksgiving

Netflix’s highly anticipated sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, is set to be released on Netflix just before Christmas this year. But while we wait, we will have the opportunity to check it out in select theater on the week of Thanksgiving!

This is an unprecedented deal, wherein the three big exhibitors – AMC, Cinemark, and Regal – are on board with releasing a major Netflix title. AMC Boss Adam Aron says the streamer and these three theatre companies have “cracked the code” to working together, while Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger is optimistic about greater things to come, exclaiming, “This experiment is a breakthrough for both the theatrical industry and Netflix and can pave the way for a stronger cooperation in the future as Netflix big budget movies for sure belong on the big screen first.”

Though this is an exciting partnership, it’s explained that the film will not see a wide release, rather 600 theaters booking in U.S. and Canada, plus additional markets overseas. It’s being billed by Netflix as a sneak preview run. Here are some of the terms: Knives Out 2 will play for one week, from Nov. 23-29, and then there will be a blackout period for the film in the remaining weeks before it hits Netflix on Dec. 23. Essentially a 30-day window, even though the theaters don’t have it for 30 days. Note, that with other Netflix theatrical releases, independent theaters have held their titles in subsequent weeks even though a title will go onto the service. It’s quite possible that if Knives Out 2 does some substantial business, it could be held over in the big chains — but that’s a wait-and-see at this point in time. Deadline reports that Netflix will not be reporting box office figures for Glass Onion.

Director Rian Johnson said of the plan:

“I’m over the moon that Netflix has worked with AMC, Regal and Cinemark to get Glass Onion in theaters for this one of a kind sneak preview. These movies are made to thrill audiences, and I can’t wait to feel the energy of the crowd as they experience Glass Onion. Between this and the release on Netflix in December, I’m excited that audiences around the world will be able to enjoy the film!” 

Scott Stuber, Head of Global Film at Netflix added:

“We’re excited to offer fans an exclusive sneak preview of Rian’s incredible film. Given the excitement surrounding the premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, we hope fans will enjoy this special theatrical event in celebration of the film’s global debut on Netflix in December.”

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery sees Daniel Craig return as suave southern sleuth Benoit Blanc as he peels back the layers on a new mystery surrounded by a colorful coterie of suspects played by a star-studded cast that includes Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline with Kate Hudson and Dave Bautista. Johnson also wrote and produced alongside his partner Ram Bergman under their T-Street banner.

This is a pretty exciting deal. I hope it goes well so that fans can choose to see streaming movies in theatres if they want to. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery will hit theaters on Wednesday, November 23, the day before Thanksgiving, and will air on Netflix on December 23rd, 2022.