Knives Out director addresses mystery series' future after disappointing Netflix update

The Knives Out series with Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc could continue for several more instalments.

Director Rian Johnson’s latest entry in the hit murder mystery franchise, Wake Up Dead Man, has just premiered at the BFI London Film Festival ahead of its release in cinemas this November and Netflix in December.

The third film in the series is described as Blanc’s “darkest” investigation yet as he becomes wrapped up in a mysterious death that rattles the congregation of a charismatic priest.

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Speaking about the series at a talk during LFF, Johnson said he is optimistic the series will continue despite his two-picture deal ending at Netflix.

"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 explained, per Variety.

"For now, I'd be thrilled to keep making these for the rest of my life.”

It’s currently unknown if Netflix are circling another deal with Johnson or if future sequels could premiere exclusively in cinemas or on a different platform entirely.

According to Deadline, the filmmaker is also eyeing a break from the franchise with a new script in the works.

At the Contenders London event over the weekend, Johnson said: “I’m writing right now, [but] it’s not one of these [Knives Out] films. It’s just something completely different, an original thing.

“I actually feel very energised after making this one [Wake Up Dead Man], but this is three in a row. It’s probably healthy to see other people.”

Johnson is also the creator of Poker Face, starring Natasha Lyonne as human lie detector Charlie Cale, which recently returned for a second season. It’s currently unconfirmed if a third season is in the works.

As for Wake Up Dead Man, the film’s gothic setting and religious themes make it the grittiest film in the franchise so far, though Johnson has assured fans it retains the Knives Out spirit.

“In a way it’s a much more grounded and sombre movie,” he said.

“But I still think it’s very funny, and maybe even a little more so than the others, because you’re not supposed to fart in church.

“Because of the seriousness of it, it makes the funny stuff a little more contrast.”

Will you be heading straight to the cinema for Benoit Blanc’s latest thrilling investigation, or remaining patient for its later Netflix release?

Wake Up Dead Man will be released Wednesday, 26th November in cinemas and Friday, 12th December on Netflix.