Rian Johnson Talks About the Status and Timeline of KNIVES OUT 4

Director Rian Johnson is just coming off the successful release of his third film in the Knives Out film franchise, Wake Up Dead Man. With some calling it the best so far, and that’s a high bar considering the popularity of each of the first films.

The winning strategy of a revolving star-studded cast and writing that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats makes fans eager for another entry. So when can we expect a fourth film?

Johnson told EW that he's already begun thinking about preliminary concepts for the next installment in his hit murder mystery movie series. "I have some basic, elemental, conceptual ideas," the filmmaker explained. "Like, 'Okay, it'd be interesting if it were this kind of thing' kernels."

However, after helming three Knives Out movies in a row, Johnson will make at least one original movie before returning to the franchise, and he won't think about the fourth installment much further until he's committed to making it his next project.

"I don't have actual concrete ideas," he clarifies. "I don't have a theme yet, I don't have a location. It's really pretty vague, and I feel like it's good to kinda keep it vague until I'm ready to actually sit down and write it."

Johnson says timeliness is of the essence in the Knives Out series, which means he'll need to adjust to a new chapter of American life before diving back into the world of Benoit Blanc.

I think that’s fair. I wouldn’t mind seeing what else Johnson has to say via TV or film, having seen his other projects like Brick, Looper, and the series Poker Face. Johnson has an original voice, and I am excited for another Knives Out story when he gets around to it. In the meantime, stay tuned to hear what he has on the fire.