Fans of Rian Johnson’s hit whodunit franchise are already asking what’s next for detective Benoit Blanc. After the third installment, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, premiered in theaters in late 2025 and landed on Netflix in December, audiences and critics praised the film’s twisty structure and cast. Now, attention has turned to the possibility of a fourth movie. While Knives Out 4 has not been confirmed, both Johnson and Daniel Craig have expressed interest in continuing Blanc’s story — under the right creative circumstances.
Rian Johnson Says He Wants to Continue
Johnson has long held that he plans to make as many films in the series as feel fresh and exciting. In a December 2025 interview, he reiterated his intention to return to the franchise after completing another film. Before writing the next Blanc mystery, Johnson intends to direct an original project, described as a “‘70s paranoid thriller” with a light sci-fi element. He emphasized that inspiration should guide the process.
“The most exciting thing right now is this idea in my head,” Johnson said. “Ultimately, you just have to follow your nose.”
What Would the Plot Be?
Johnson revealed that early conceptual ideas are forming, but nothing concrete exists. He prefers to keep details vague until the writing process begins. He suggested the film will reflect contemporary cultural anxieties — a tonal “vibe check of the United States.” While not overtly political, he aims to capture the social mood of the moment.
“I like that these movies aren’t timeless,” he said. “They have one foot in something we’re all feeling.”
Who Would Return?
Craig remains attached to the franchise as its only recurring character. Blanc acts as the thread connecting each standalone story and ensemble cast. Johnson made it clear he would not continue the franchise without Craig.
“For me, these movies are working with Daniel,” he noted. “The instant either one of us feels slightly like not doing it, we’ll stop.”
Craig echoed the sentiment. Though enthusiastic about a fourth film, he acknowledged the unpredictability of Hollywood.
“As soon as you start counting your chickens, it’s over,” he joked. But he admitted that the overwhelming response to Wake Up Dead Man left him energized.
“It makes me feel like, OK, sure, let’s do it — if the idea scares us enough to push it.”
Johnson also mentioned dream casting, including Meryl Streep, whom he joked could “slot into a murder mystery very well.”
Timeline and Release Speculation
Because Johnson plans to film another project first, Knives Out 4 is unlikely to enter production immediately. This suggests a significant wait before an official announcement — potentially several years. For now, fans can revisit Blanc’s previous mysteries. Knives Out streams on Prime Video, while Glass Onion and Wake Up Dead Man are available on Netflix. Despite uncertainty, neither Johnson nor Craig is ready to close the case. If inspiration strikes and schedules align, Benoit Blanc may return for another investigation.
