Rian Johnson Reveals New Details About His Mysterious Sci-Fi Film Project

Rian Johnson is gearing up for his next big project and the filmmaker just shared an exciting update on his mysterious sci-fi thriller project. While out promoting his upcoming Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Johnson opened up about what he has planned once Detective Benoit Blanc’s latest case wraps.

In a conversation with Variety, the director explained that he is deep into developing an original sci fi thriller that channels the energy of classic cinema from the 1970s. Johnson has teased this project before, but this is his clearest description yet of what he’s building.

“The most exciting thing right now is this idea I have in my head for the next thing I’m gonna make, and I think ultimately, that’s all you can do, is just kind of follow your nose,” Johnson said. “If I had to define it genre wise, I’d say it harkens back to the ’70s paranoid thrillers. It’s got a light sci fi element to it.”

Johnson is currently writing the script and aims to start shooting in 2026. There are no story details yet, but the mix of paranoia driven suspense and sci fi elements sounds like a cool direction for the filmmaker.

For now, audiences can catch his newest Knives Out chapter. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is playing in limited theaters and will hit Netflix on December 12, 2025.

Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc, taking on a murder case set inside a church. The film brings together a stacked ensemble featuring Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.

Of course, Johnson’s name still sparks conversations in the Star Wars fandom. Star Wars: The Last Jedi remains one of the franchise’s most debated entries, even as it pulled in a massive $1.3 billion dollars at the box office.

After its release, Lucasfilm brought Johnson on to craft a new trilogy, but the project has stalled out and is no longer moving forward.

Even so, the director still feels connected to the galaxy far far away. He said: “A part of my brain will always be in Star Wars,” Johnson said. “It’s so much a part of me and the way I think.”

With a new sci fi thriller on the horizon and the return of Benoit Blanc arriving soon, Johnson has a packed creative road ahead.