Filmmaker Rian Johnson recently appeared on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, where he discussed his latest film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, and the future of the renowned Knives Out franchise. The episode, recorded in front of an audience at the Newport Beach Film Festival, coincided with Johnson receiving the festival’s Director Award for his work.
Known for his distinct storytelling style, Johnson has directed acclaimed films including Brick, The Brothers Bloom, Looper, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. His most recent project, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023, opened in select theaters on November 3 and is set to stream on Netflix starting December 12. The film continues the adventures of detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, following the success of Knives Out and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.
Johnson has garnered significant recognition for his work, including a place on TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. His accolades also include nominations for prestigious awards such as the Oscars for best original screenplay and best adapted screenplay.
Reflecting on his career, Johnson addressed the polarized reactions to The Last Jedi. While some fans expressed dissatisfaction, he emphasized the positive interactions he has had with the broader Star Wars community. “I’m a lifelong Star Wars fan,” he stated, acknowledging the passionate nature of the fandom. He noted, “It’s been the most positive experience I’ve ever had with anything I’ve made,” highlighting the depth of connection many fans have with the franchise.
As for the Knives Out series, Johnson revealed that he had nurtured the concept of a murder mystery film for nearly a decade before the first installment was made. Initially met with skepticism from studios regarding its marketability, Johnson’s vision ultimately proved successful. “When we were trying to sell it to studios, everyone was like, ‘Oh, a murder mystery, huh?’” he recalled.
His partnership with Craig has been a pivotal aspect of the franchise’s success. Johnson expressed enthusiasm about continuing the series, stating, “I’d be a happy man” if he could keep making these films for the rest of his career. He emphasized the importance of maintaining creative freshness, stating, “The instant we feel like we’re just turning the crank on another one, we’ll stop.”
In a light-hearted moment during the podcast, Johnson addressed the frequent online calls for a Knives Out Muppet movie. While he acknowledged the idea’s popularity, he explained why it would not be feasible. “I love and respect Muppet movies too much,” he remarked. He elaborated that combining Muppets with a Benoit Blanc storyline would clash with the film’s tone, as it would involve serious themes of mystery and murder.
Overall, Johnson’s candid reflections on his career and creative process provide insight into the mind of a director who continually seeks to challenge himself and engage audiences worldwide. As he continues to explore new avenues in storytelling, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the Knives Out saga.
