Rian Johnson Teases Bright Future for Benoit Blanc After Wake Up Dead Man

Even though Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery hasn’t premiered yet, filmmaker Rian Johnson is already looking beyond the upcoming release. Ever since the first Knives Out arrived in 2019, the franchise has earned a strong fanbase thanks to its clever plotting, sharp humor, and Daniel Craig’s unforgettable portrayal of detective Benoit Blanc. With the third installment gearing up for release, Johnson has now offered a promising update about the future of the mystery series.

Johnson Already Thinking About a Fourth Film

While discussing the new film with The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson revealed that he and Daniel Craig have started tossing around ideas for what could come next.
According to Johnson, they are “already starting to formulate” what a potential fourth movie might look like—hinting that Blanc’s adventures are far from over.

The director added that working on Wake Up Dead Man has left him feeling creatively revitalized. His enthusiasm suggests that he has no intention of ending the franchise anytime soon, saying, “I don’t know why I would stop doing it if we could keep making them.”

The Release Plan for Wake Up Dead Man

The newest entry is scheduled for a limited theatrical run starting November 26, showing for just two weeks before arriving on Netflix on December 12. This mirrors the release approach used for Glass Onion in 2022—one that boosted Netflix viewership but left many fans wishing for a wider theatrical experience.

Given how beloved the series has become, it’s no surprise that audiences are hoping for a more traditional release window next time.

What Comes After the Netflix Deal?

A major question surrounding the franchise’s future involves distribution. The original two-sequel deal Johnson signed with Netflix—covering Glass Onion and Wake Up Dead Man—is complete after this release.
If a fourth film moves forward, it’s no longer guaranteed to be a Netflix exclusive.

The first Knives Out proved that the franchise thrives in theaters, earning an impressive $312.8 million worldwide on a modest budget. Its holiday release date helped it grow through word of mouth, becoming a cozy crowd-pleaser for families and mystery lovers alike.

Both sequels have maintained stellar critical acclaim, with every film in the franchise holding a Rotten Tomatoes score above 90%—a rare achievement for any ongoing series.

Will Benoit Blanc Return to the Big Screen?

Netflix may attempt to strike a new agreement with Johnson, but there’s strong momentum behind a potential theatrical comeback. The box-office performance of the original film shows the franchise’s power, and theaters could benefit from another event-style, audience-driven success.

Wherever the detective goes next—Netflix, theaters, or both—it’s clear that Johnson is committed to crafting more mysteries for Daniel Craig’s beloved sleuth. With excitement building around Wake Up Dead Man and future stories already being whispered about, Benoit Blanc’s journey is far from over.