Last Updated: April 28, 2020
Rian Johnson and Lionsgate are moving forward with a Knives Out sequel, and here’s everything we know about – and can expect from – Knives Out 2. Two years after Star Wars: The Last Jedi released, Johnson returned with another big film and an equally star-studded cast that consisted of big name actors like Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Christopher Plummer.
While The Last Jedi was considerably divisive, Knives Out has received almost universal acclaim from critics, and audiences have enjoyed the film as well. That has, in part, been due to its ensemble cast as well as its witty humor and ability to keep the viewer guessing all throughout.
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With all that in mind, it’s no surprise that Knives Out 2 is happening, considering the first film’s massive success. Furthermore, a murder mystery is a genre that won’t necessarily go out of style or become oversaturated. As long as there’s an interesting story to tell, Knives Out 2 can tell it. Of course, a Knives Out 2 wouldn’t release right away and its story would need to be just as fresh and exciting. With so many people ultimately enjoying Knives Out, a sequel seemed almost inevitable, and Rian Johnson looks to be game.
Knives Out 2 Is Officially Happening
Knives Out 2 has officially been greenlit by Lionsgate as of February 6, 2020, which is great for Johnson, as he had expressed interest in making more movies with Daniel Craig. Back on January 5, Johnson had confirmed he was working on the script for the sequel, and would like to get it made within the next year. For their part, Lionsgate also wants production to begin as soon as possible. In an interview with Screen Rant, Johnson said, “I would love to. We’ll see how this one does, you know. But if this movie does alright, if I can get together with Daniel every few years and do a new Benoit Blanc mystery? New location, new cast, new mystery. It’d be so much fun.” Johnson says that he wants to do what famous mystery author Agatha Christie did with her novels. Christie’s novels often followed a famous detective by the name of Hercule Poirot, a character very similar to Craig’s Benoit Blanc. In each book, Poirot would have to solve a new mystery, involving different characters in different locations.
Knives Out 2 Story Details
While Knives Out 2 is happening, it won’t be about the Thrombey family. That story is over, but Daniel Craig’s character, Benoit Blanc, solving a different mystery remains on the menu. Since a follow-up to Knives Out is still in the script stage, no plot details have been revealed yet. However, the fact that Johnson wants to follow the template of the Christie novels should get fans excited. Knives Out 2 will likely involve Benoit Blanc solving a new murder, in a new location, and with new characters once again played by an all-star cast. Johnson has also expressed a desire to tell a different style of murder mystery in Knives Out 2.
Knives Out 2 Cast
While it remains to be seen what Knives Out 2’s cast will look like, it can be assumed that it won’t be short on star power. Knives Out did a good job bringing in star actors such as Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, and Jamie Lee Curtis along with popular up-and-comers Ana de Armas, Katherine Langford and Jaeden Martell, and would be wise to duplicate that formula for the sequel. That being said, Knives Out 2 will undoubtedly at least star Craig again as Benoit Blanc.
Knives Out 2 Release Date Info
Knives Out 2 looked ready to hit the production fast track in February, but the Coronavirus pandemic got in the way. If filming does indeed end up commencing in 2020, then the sequel could release by 2021 or 2022. Based on Johnson’s desire to make a sequel fast, and Craig’s stated desire to return, a 2021 release appears exceedingly likely. Of course, that still all depends on whether the Knives Out sequel actually manages to begin filming this year.