Rian Johnson has given Knives Out fans the update they’ve been waiting for: “Wake Up Dead Man” success has opened the door for “Knives Out 4,” with the director confirming he’s already brainstorming Benoit Blanc’s next mystery. After three critically acclaimed hits, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down, and Johnson’s enthusiasm suggests even bigger twists and star power ahead.
Wake Up Dead Man: The Catalyst for Knives Out 4
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” has been the strongest entry yet, blending gothic atmosphere, religious intrigue, and emotional depth with the series’ signature whodunit cleverness. Daniel Craig’s weary yet brilliant Benoit Blanc anchored a powerhouse cast including Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, and Andrew Scott, earning rave reviews and strong Netflix viewership numbers following its theatrical run.
In recent interviews, Johnson revealed that the film’s positive reception—particularly its 92% Rotten Tomatoes score and audience love for its darker tone—has reignited his passion for more Blanc adventures. He described the response as “overwhelmingly positive” and said it made him eager to dive back into scripting the next chapter sooner than expected.
Rian Johnson’s Exciting Knives Out 4 Tease
Speaking at a post-premiere Q&A, Johnson shared that he’s “definitely thinking about” Knives Out 4 and has “some ideas percolating” for Blanc’s next case. True to form, he emphasized wanting to drop the detective into a completely fresh world—potentially something wildly different from the gothic religious community of “Wake Up Dead Man” or the glamorous settings of the first two films.
Johnson loves the Agatha Christie model of standalone mysteries with the same sleuth, allowing each movie to feel like a self-contained event while building subtle continuity through Blanc’s personal growth. He hinted that Knives Out 4 could explore even more personal territory for the character, perhaps delving into his past relationships or long-buried secrets from earlier cases.
From Knives Out to a Modern Mystery Empire
The original “Knives Out” (2019) launched the franchise with $312 million worldwide and Oscar nominations, proving original whodunits could still pack theaters. “Glass Onion” (2022) dominated Netflix streaming metrics despite a limited theatrical run, while “Wake Up Dead Man” (2025) refined the formula with its darkest, most ambitious story yet. Each film has introduced fresh ensembles while perfecting Johnson’s mix of clever plotting, social satire, and impeccable casting.
Blanc has evolved from a flamboyant eccentric to a more introspective figure, carrying subtle scars from each case. Fans love watching Craig play the character’s growing weariness against his unbreakable moral core, making each new mystery feel like catching up with an old friend who’s seen too much—but never stops fighting for truth.
Predictions and Possibilities for Knives Out 4
While plot details remain under wraps, Johnson has dropped breadcrumbs about wanting to explore “new textures” and genres within the mystery framework. Speculation ranges from a high-tech Silicon Valley conspiracy to an international espionage thriller or even a supernatural-tinged puzzle that tests Blanc’s rationalism. Expect another murderer’s row of A-listers, with Johnson’s track record suggesting he’ll once again write roles tailored to specific performers.
Netflix’s commitment to the franchise remains strong after three escalating successes, and Daniel Craig has expressed enthusiasm for continuing as long as the stories excite him. For fans, Johnson’s promising update isn’t just good news—it’s a reminder that one of modern cinema’s smartest, most entertaining series has plenty more secrets left to uncover. If “Wake Up Dead Man” raised the bar, Knives Out 4 promises to leap over it entirely.
