Rian Johnson Talks KNIVES OUT 4 and Why WAKE UP DEAD MAN Is His Most Personal Film Yet
With Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery lighting up the BFI London Film Festival, writer and director Rian Johnson is reflecting on the journey so far and what’s next for the acclaimed whodunit franchise.
But for fans hoping for quick news on Knives Out 4, Johnson isn’t rushing to pull the next rabbit out of the hat just yet.
Johnson, who returned to the festival to premiere his latest Knives Out entry, called Wake Up Dead Man his “most personal” movie to date.
The Netflix film once again stars Daniel Craig as master sleuth Benoit Blanc and boasts an impressive cast that includes Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner,Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Mila Kunis, and Daryl McCormack.
The film, which explores themes of “faith and religion,” draws inspiration from Johnson’s own upbringing. When speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson admitted he doesn’t have a concrete plan for the next chapter just yet.
“I got nothing. If you have anything, I’ll take it. I think it’s good to totally empty the well and then start from scratch on the next one.”
He went on to explain that the future of Knives Out depends on creative inspiration and the ongoing collaboration with Craig, saying:
“As long as Daniel and I have fun doing it, and he wants to do them, as long as audiences like them, and also as long as we can keep challenging ourselves and coming up with something that’s genuinely new.”
The Knives Out franchise has become one of the most beloved mystery sagas in modern cinema since its debut in 2019, followed by Glass Onion in 2022. Both films earned rave reviews and strong fan followings. Wake Up Dead Man continues that momentum, currently sitting at an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The ensemble cast has also been quick to praise Johnson’s creative approach. Glenn Close called him “a great writer” and “a wonderful director.” Meanwhile, Daryl McCormack shared how welcoming the experience was, saying, “Ryan and Daniel have done an amazing job of just making this the most welcoming experience,” adding that he was proud to be part of Johnson’s “most personal” film yet.
Wake Up Dead Man first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival before opening the London fest, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about mystery films of the year.
While there might not be immediate plans for Knives Out 4, it’s clear that Johnson isn’t finished exploring the world of Benoit Blanc and he’s just taking a well-earned moment to refill that creative well before the next big case calls.
The movie will be Netflix on December 12 after a limited theatrical run starting November 26.