Picture this: a brilliant filmmaker who's so hooked on his own whodunit detective series that he's itching to keep crafting more mysteries, even as his studio deal wraps up. It's the kind of passion that keeps audiences coming back for more twists and turns – and Rian Johnson's latest Knives Out adventure proves he's far from done. But here's where it gets intriguing: what if this means challenging the very way we consume blockbuster films? Let's dive into the details and see why this could spark some heated debates among movie buffs.
Fresh off the Toronto International Film Festival, where it premiered to rave reviews, Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery has critics buzzing. Our Editor-in-Chief, Chris Bumbray, couldn't get enough of it, describing it in his glowing review as 'another wildly entertaining entry in Johnson’s Benoit Blanc mystery series.' He highlights how the central character, played by Josh O’Connor, stands out as one of the most captivating we've seen so far. Bumbray notes that this film would truly shine with a big theatrical release, as these stories are designed for shared laughs and gasps in a crowded theater – think of it like how a classic Agatha Christie novel comes alive when read aloud with friends.
Now, with Wake Up Dead Man under his belt, Johnson's two-picture agreement with Netflix is officially over. Yet, according to a recent Variety report, the director isn't ready to bid farewell to the Benoit Blanc universe. Speaking at the BFI London Film Festival, Johnson shared his enthusiasm: 'I don’t feel burnt out doing these at all. If anything, I feel energized after doing this one. So as long as audiences want to keep seeing it, and Daniel and I are still having fun making them and still feel like we can come up with stuff that feels not just fresh, but a fresh challenge for us, I think that’ll translate to a new experience for the audience.'
He went on to express, 'For now, I’d be thrilled to keep making these for the rest of my life.' This time around, the story unfolds in a more gothic, atmospheric setting – imagine eerie mansions and shadowy secrets, much like a modern take on classic horror-mystery blends. Johnson himself calls it 'a much more grounded and sombre movie,' but insists it's also the funniest of the trilogy. Why? Because the stark contrast between the serious tone and the comedic moments amplifies the humor, like sneaking a joke into a solemn church service. It's a clever trick that keeps viewers on their toes, blending suspense with unexpected laughs.
And this is the part most people miss: the cast is a star-studded lineup that elevates the fun. Daniel Craig reprises his role as the eccentric detective Benoit Blanc, bringing that signature wit and flair. Joining him are talents like Thomas Haden Church (remember his role in Spider-Man 3?), Josh Brolin (from the gritty No Country for Old Men), Josh O’Connor (known for The Crown), Cailee Spaeny (fresh off Priscilla), Andrew Scott (the brilliant mind behind Ripley), Kerry Washington (from Little Fires Everywhere), Daryl McCormack (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande), Mila Kunis (iconic in That 70s Show), Glenn Close (the unforgettable Fatal Attraction), and Jeremy Renner (Avengers fame, whose face even graced a hot sauce bottle in Glass Onion). As for Hugh Grant, who popped up as Blanc's partner Phillip in the last film (Notting Hill's charming star), we're still waiting to see if he'll make a cameo – a delightful Easter egg that fans are eagerly anticipating.
But here's where it gets controversial: Netflix is bucking the trend by giving this film a limited theatrical run before streaming. Starting November 26, it'll hit theaters for two weeks, then debut globally on the platform on December 12. Is this a smart move to boost buzz and box office, or a risky gamble that prioritizes exclusivity over accessibility? Some argue it respects the cinematic experience, while others say it feels like a tease, especially for those who prefer binge-watching at home. What do you think – does forcing a theatrical window make sense in today's streaming-dominated world, or is it just a way for studios to squeeze more money out of fans?
As a News Editor with a soft spot for action-packed classics like the Die Hard series, Bruce Lee flicks, and the Back to the Future trilogy, I love how Johnson's work keeps the mystery genre alive and kicking. Beyond movies, I enjoy acting, writing, Photoshop tinkering, video editing, reliving The Simpsons' golden eras, Conan O'Brien's humor, Bill Burr's rants, deep YouTube dives, french fries with Pepsi, and creating art on my DeviantArt page. Johnson's passion reminds me why storytelling matters – it's about that endless thrill of discovery.
So, what's your take? Do you believe Rian Johnson should keep the Knives Out series going indefinitely, or is there a point where even the best franchises should call it quits? And on the theatrical release debate: is Netflix doing right by fans, or should they just stream everything from day one? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a wild counterpoint!
