Rian Johnson's Upcoming Projects: From "Knives Out" to a '70s Sci-Fi Thriller

Rian Johnson, acclaimed director known for his work on the "Knives Out" series and "Looper," is set to shift genres with his next project, a '70s-inspired paranoid sci-fi thriller. Following the success of "Knives Out" and its sequel "Glass Onion," Johnson has expressed excitement about this new direction, which he describes as incorporating "light sci-fi" elements reminiscent of classic paranoid thrillers like "3 Days of the Condor" and "The Conversation." In an interview with *Empire*, Johnson stated, “The most exciting thing right now is this idea I have in my head for the next thing I’m gonna make... it harkens back to the ’70s paranoid thrillers.”

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Before embarking on this new project, Johnson is preparing for the release of "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," the third installment in the "Knives Out" series. This film, featuring Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc, centers around the murder of Monsignor Wicks, played by Josh Brolin, in a locked room. Johnson has described this script as the hardest he has ever written, largely due to its exploration of personal themes related to faith and his own religious upbringing. He noted, “I have lots of people in my life that I love that still are [religious]... I have a lot of complicated feelings about it.”

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The narrative of "Wake Up Dead Man" delves into the complexities of faith, power, and personal history, set against the backdrop of a church. Johnson spent eight months contemplating the film's themes before drafting the script, aiming to treat the subject matter with respect and depth. He emphasized the importance of honesty in storytelling, stating, “I wanted to explore it in a really honest way, while also not being facile about it, or—God forbid—moralistic or irreverent.”

The Personal Reason Knives Out 3 Was The ‘Hardest’ Movie For Rian Johnson To Write

"Wake Up Dead Man" is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on November 26, 2025, followed by a Netflix release on December 12, 2025. Johnson's partnership with Netflix has been fruitful, but he remains committed to the theatrical experience, asserting that the medium is still vital for storytelling. Regarding his future projects, Johnson has indicated that while he loves the "Star Wars" universe, he is currently focused on new narratives, stating, “If some day it makes sense to come back to it, for both of us, it would be the most wonderful thing in the world.”

Rian Johnson Compares His Upcoming Sci-Fi Project to a '70s Paranoid Thriller

As Rian Johnson prepares to unveil "Wake Up Dead Man," he is simultaneously laying the groundwork for a new genre exploration with his upcoming sci-fi thriller. This transition reflects his versatility as a filmmaker and his commitment to engaging with complex themes, ensuring that audiences can expect both entertainment and thought-provoking narratives in his future works.

Wake Up Dead Man: Rian Johnson’s Most Personal and Challenging Knives Out Mystery Arrives