Knives Out 4: Is Benoit Blanc’s Next Case Still a Mystery?

Thescreescore – Rian Johnson, the mastermind behind the "Knives Out" franchise, has offered a candid update regarding the potential for a fourth installment, leaving fans in suspense. With "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" on the horizon, the question looms: what’s next for Detective Benoit Blanc?

Since its debut in 2019, "Knives Out" has become a modern cinematic phenomenon. Daniel Craig shines as the astute Detective Benoit Blanc, leading audiences through intricate webs of mystery and intrigue. Following the success of the original, Netflix acquired the rights to two sequels, with "Glass Onion" captivating viewers in 2022 and "Wake Up Dead Man" poised to premiere later this year.

Speaking at the BFI London Film Festival, Johnson revealed that "Knives Out 4" is not yet in active development. He admitted to The Hollywood Reporter that he currently has no concrete ideas for the next chapter, preferring to start with a blank slate each time. "I got nothing," Johnson stated. "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."

Johnson lauded Craig, emphasizing that their continued collaboration, coupled with audience enthusiasm and the pursuit of fresh, innovative storytelling, will determine the franchise’s future. "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," Johnson explained. "We’re on the same page that the moment it feels like we’re just turning the crank on another one."

"Wake Up Dead Man" reunites Craig with a stellar ensemble cast, including Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, Cailee Spaeny, Andrew Scott, Josh O’Connor, Thomas Haden Church, and Daryl McCormack. In this installment, Blanc investigates the murder of a priest in upstate New York, delving into a congregation of suspicious individuals in what is billed as his most perilous case yet.

The "Knives Out" franchise has established itself as a reliable source of original storytelling. The original film garnered over $310 million worldwide and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. "Glass Onion" achieved over 200 million viewing hours on Netflix and received similar critical acclaim. "Wake Up Dead Man" currently holds a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 61 reviews.

"Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" is set to release in select theaters November 26 and on Netflix December 12. Thescreescore.com will continue to provide updates on the "Knives Out" franchise as they develop.