Streep in Knives Out? Director Rian Johnson’s Dream Casting!

Thescreescore – Rian Johnson, the mastermind behind the wildly successful "Knives Out" franchise, has revealed his dream casting choice for a future installment: the legendary Meryl Streep. With "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" now captivating audiences on Netflix, the director is already contemplating the next chapter in Benoit Blanc’s thrilling investigations.

Johnson expressed his admiration for Streep’s talent, stating to IndieWire, "There are so many great actors I’d like to work with. But, yes, if you’re reading this, Meryl Streep, I feel like you’d slot into a murder mystery very well." While acknowledging the rigorous casting process involved in securing top-tier talent, Johnson emphasized that securing Streep would be a dream come true.

Despite his enthusiasm, Johnson clarified that no single actor is a "white whale" for the franchise, emphasizing that casting decisions depend on availability and the overall dynamic of the ensemble cast. He stated that the process involves approaching movie stars with busy schedules and accepting the inevitable "yes or no" responses. However, he also noted that the final cast always feels perfect for their roles.

One non-negotiable element for Johnson is the continued involvement of Daniel Craig as the charismatic detective Benoit Blanc. "For me, personally, these movies are working with Daniel," Johnson explained. "It’s a partnership. And the instant either one of us feels even slightly like not doing it, we’ll stop doing it."

Interestingly, Johnson revealed that his contract with Netflix only covered the first two sequels, "Glass Onion" and "Wake Up Dead Man," leaving the future of the franchise open to possibilities. When asked about future installments, Johnson remained tight-lipped, hinting at the vast potential within the whodunnit genre. He emphasized the diverse range of stories that can be explored within the mystery movie landscape.

"Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," starring Daniel Craig alongside a stellar ensemble cast including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, and Jeremy Renner, is now available to stream on Netflix. Fans can eagerly anticipate what twists and turns Johnson has in store for the future of the "Knives Out" saga, and whether Meryl Streep will ultimately join the ranks of suspects and sleuths.