Fourth Knives Out Movie Confirmed, But Writer-Director Rian Johnson Admits He’s Still Just Brainstorming

A fourth “Knives Out” mystery film is officially in the cards. Writer-director Rian Johnson confirmed the project’s development in a new interview. This news follows the upcoming release of the third film, “Wake Up Dead Man.” Fans, however, should temper their immediate expectations for the next case.

Johnson revealed he has only basic ideas for the new installment. He told Entertainment Weekly the concepts are still vague “kernels.” The filmmaker stressed he does not yet have a theme or location for the plot.

Rian Johnson Prioritizes New Sci-Fi Project Before Returning to Benoit Blanc

The director’s comments indicate a longer wait is likely. He admitted he is not ready to start writing the next “Knives Out” script. This timeline differs from the gap between the second and third films.

Johnson’s immediate focus is a different film entirely. He previously told Empire his next project is a sci-fi thriller. He described it as a story inspired by 1970s paranoid thrillers. This confirms his next feature will not involve detective Benoit Blanc.

Director Firmly Rejects Fan-Pitched Crossover Concepts

Some fans have passionately proposed a “Knives Out” and “Muppets” crossover movie. Johnson has now directly addressed and dismissed this popular internet idea. He explained the tones of the two franchises are completely incompatible.

The director expressed deep respect for both properties. He stated a merger would feel wrong because Muppets would be involved in murder. While a full crossover is off the table, Netflix has already produced a “Sesame Street” parody sketch featuring Daniel Craig’s character.

The fourth “Knives Out” movie is confirmed for development. Audiences must wait patiently as Rian Johnson first explores a new sci-fi idea. The next Benoit Blanc mystery will arrive only when its creator has a perfect puzzle to solve.

Info at your fingertips

Has Rian Johnson started writing Knives Out 4?

No, he has not started writing. Johnson stated he only has very basic conceptual ideas. He lacks a concrete theme or setting for the new story at this time.

What is Rian Johnson making before Knives Out 4?

His next project is an original sci-fi film. He describes it as a paranoid thriller with light sci-fi elements inspired by 1970s cinema.

Will there be a Muppets and Knives Out crossover movie?

Rian Johnson has definitively said no to this idea. He believes mixing the murder mystery tone with the Muppets would not work and disrespect both franchises.

Is Daniel Craig confirmed to return as Benoit Blanc?

While not explicitly stated in the latest report, the confirmation of a fourth film strongly implies Craig’s return. He is the central character of the franchise Johnson is continuing.

Why will the wait for the next film be longer?

The wait will be longer because Johnson is making another movie first. He needs time to develop a fully-formed idea for the next mystery, which he admits he does not have yet.