UPDATE: The future of the Knives Out film series hinges on one pivotal factor: the return of director Rian Johnson. In a recent interview with Variety, Johnson made it clear that he will solely dictate the destiny of any potential sequels, including Knives Out 4.
Johnson emphatically stated, “I don’t see it as IP. Each Knives Out film is something I want to make. If that stops being the case, we won’t do another one.” This declaration underscores his deep commitment to the franchise, which stars Daniel Craig as the beloved detective, Benoit Blanc.
The filmmaker also revealed that he and Craig are already brainstorming ideas for the next installment. “Creatively, I feel energized after making this one,” Johnson noted. “Daniel and I are already starting to formulate . . . what could the next one be if we do another one?” This excitement suggests that further adventures in the Knives Out universe could be on the horizon, provided the creative team remains intact.
Johnson has maintained a firm stance against allowing anyone else to helm a Knives Out film. “Absolutely not. It’s mine. They’ll have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands,” he asserted. He further added that if Craig decides to step away from the role, the series will conclude. “If Daniel stops having fun or decides he doesn’t want to do it anymore, then, as far as I’m concerned, the series is over.”
The first film, Knives Out, debuted in 2019, followed by the critically acclaimed Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in 2022. The third installment, titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025 and releases in select US theaters today, November 26, 2025. It will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 12, 2025.
Fans of the franchise are eagerly anticipating the next chapter, but the future remains uncertain. Johnson’s passionate defense of his creative control over the series highlights the significance of artistic integrity in film production. As the Knives Out franchise evolves, fans will be watching closely to see if Johnson and Craig can deliver more thrilling mysteries together.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
