Renowned director Rian Johnson has announced that his upcoming film will draw inspiration from the intense and suspenseful atmosphere of 1970s paranoid thrillers, infused with a touch of science fiction. This revelation comes as Johnson prepares for the release of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third installment in his popular whodunnit series, which will hit theaters on November 26, 2025, before its Netflix premiere on December 12, 2025.
In an interview with Empire magazine, Johnson expressed his excitement about the new project, stating, “The most exciting thing right now is this idea I have in my head for the next thing I’m gonna make.” He elaborated on the film’s genre, noting its connection to classic thrillers, saying, “If I had to define it genre-wise, I’d say it harkens back to the ’70s paranoid thrillers. It’s got a light sci-fi element to it.”
Johnson, known for his work on Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, previously signed a deal with Netflix for two Knives Out films. He emphasized the positive impact of this collaboration, stating, “Being with Netflix has absolutely just put [Knives Out] culturally in a place that I never thought it would get to, which is very, very cool.”
Despite the growing trend of streaming services, Johnson remains passionate about the theatrical experience. He remarked, “At the same time, I’ve said that the theatrical experience is very, very important to me.” He pointed to recent successes in cinema, such as the film Sinners, highlighting the continued audience desire to engage with films in a theater setting.
In Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, returns to unravel a murder case set in a small town’s church. The film promises to deliver a gripping narrative as secrets unfold and loyalties shift, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, Cailee Spaeny, Glenn Close, Josh O’Connor, Thomas Haden Church, and Andrew Scott.
As anticipation builds for Wake Up Dead Man, Johnson’s next project is already generating buzz among fans. His ability to blend genres while maintaining a strong narrative focus continues to position him as a leading figure in contemporary cinema.
