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Rian Johnson Teases ‘Gothic’ Third ‘Knives Out’ film

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In the upcoming sequel to “Knives Out,” titled “Wake Up Dead Man,” you can expect a significantly darker and more atmospheric feel. The film leans heavily on a gothic aesthetic, with its tone being firmly rooted in this style.

Rian Johnson, the brainchild behind the “whodunnit” series, has shared that the third film will return to the roots of the genre and bear a stronger resemblance to the initial movie, which was released in 2019 under the title “Knives Out,” rather than the 2022 release, “Glass Onion.

He told Rolling Stone: “It’s incredibly different from Glass Onion.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d like to share an update: A month ago, we unveiled a teaser trailer that carries a distinctly Gothic and earthbound feel. It harks back to the original film in this aspect, delving deeper into the roots of the genre. These roots, you see, predate the works of Agatha Christie and can be traced all the way back to the masterful tales of Edgar Allan Poe.

The Star Wars: The Last Jedi director insists he never wants to “repeat myself.”

If I find myself saying the same things over and over, or merely recycling ideas without adding anything new, it indicates that I’m not skilled enough to conceal this repetition from my audience.

I’m drawn to exploring different experiences rather than sticking to one consistent tone or style. After three years of focusing on something specific, it feels like eating the same meal every day – repetitive and unfulfilling. I crave novelty, and this desire extends to my work on the show as well. It’s not a deliberate choice to change, but more about keeping things fresh and exciting for myself by avoiding repetition.

Johnson would love to continue the franchise for as long as possible.

Inquired about potential future movies featuring Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc, he responded affirmatively, saying: “I’m feeling fantastic! That’s because I’ve dared to try things I didn’t believe would succeed every time.

As a cinephile, I’ve come to realize that trying to master the art of movie-making is a slippery slope. Once you think you’ve got it all figured out, that’s when trouble brews. Yet, this uncertainty keeps me on my toes and invigorates me. With each film, there’s a new challenge, a new adventure waiting to unfold. At the moment, I can’t quite pinpoint what’s next, but isn’t that part of the thrill? After every project, there’s a sense of ‘How will I top this?’ But as long as I can keep creating, I’ll continue to do so.

In the meantime, Wake Up Dead Man is due to hit theaters in December.

The 10 Best Franchises of the Last 10 Years (2016-2025)

10. Happy Death Day

Movie List: “Films: Happy Death Day (2017), Happy Death Day 2U (2019)”

The concept of a character being stuck in a time loop is perfect for sequels, as each scene essentially becomes a new sequel. This might explain why the horror movie adaptation of “Groundhog Day” titled “Happy Death Day” smoothly transitioned into the entertaining “Happy Death Day 2U”. Jessica Rothe portrays Tree, a young woman destined to repeat the day of her death until she can identify her masked killer and prevent him. In the second film, the loops become increasingly complex. The sequel also hinted at a third movie, but we’re still waiting for it after six years. Hopefully, they release it before my personal time loop resets!

9. Bad Boys

Title Updates for the Bad Boys Franchise:

1. Films: Bad Boys For Life (2020), Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
– Revised Titles: Life and Times of Bad Boys (2020), Bad Boys: Friends ‘Til the End (2024)

Here’s a fascinating revelation: Following a 17-year hiatus, the iconic ’90s action series, Bad Boys, reemerged… and arguably improved upon its original self? Directed by Adil & Bilall, the contemporary Bad Boys skillfully preserve the essence of the classic films while coaxing compelling performances from the long-standing stars, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Despite their reputation for easy paydays, they seem to regard these movies as more than just a paycheck. The action scenes impress, but what’s even more remarkable is that these films are unexpectedly emotional, delving into themes of friendship in middle age, drawing on the duo’s long-standing bond and impending mortality. We can hardly wait for Bad Boys 5: Pillars of Resilience!

8. Planet of the Apes

In contrast to many extended film franchises, the “Planet of the Apes” series isn’t shy about tackling grim subject matter. Since its inception in 1968, this series has been known for its dark plot twists, pessimistic themes, and the demise of many noble characters. This somber tone persisted in the latest installments, “War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017) and the upcoming “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (2024). These films served as metaphorical representations of racial conflict and autocracy, suggesting that a potential war between humans and apes (or symbolic representatives of any groups) might be inevitable. This is quite a weighty topic for a summer blockbuster – or indeed, any film.

The “Planet of the Apes” series, unlike many long-lasting film franchises, isn’t afraid to delve into dark themes. From its inception in 1968, it has been characterized by grim plot twists, pessimistic undertones, and the death of many heroic characters. This somber tone is apparent in the most recent films, “War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017) and the upcoming “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (2024), which used allegories to explore racial strife and autocracy, suggesting that a conflict between humans and apes (or symbolic representatives of any groups) might be unavoidable. This is a heavy subject matter for a summer blockbuster – or indeed, any movie.

7. Mission: Impossible

Movies: Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018), Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (2023), and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)

Although the Mission: Impossible series may not have ended on the most impressive note over the past decade, it has still churned out three blockbusters that were quite satisfying. Among them is the remarkable Fallout. Even the weaker installments in the franchise provided plenty of action; the biplane scene in The Final Reckoning might just be the best pure spectacle in any of these movies.

6. The Avengers

Originally released in 2018 and 2019 respectively, the films “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers Endgame” stand out as groundbreaking cinematic events. It’s hard to believe now, but the first Avengers movie was a daring gamble – Marvel combined multiple ongoing franchises with an array of additional characters into one epic crossover film. Remarkably, it all came together seamlessly, and Marvel repeated this formula three more times. The final sequel, “Avengers: Endgame”, reached such a climactic peak that the studio has found it challenging to find a satisfying way to continue the MCU after this powerful conclusion. Perhaps future Avengers sequels will offer new directions, or they might prompt me to reconsider including “The Avengers” in this list.

The movies “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers Endgame”, released in 2018 and 2019, were significant milestones in cinema. It’s hard to remember now, but the first Avengers movie was a risky move that combined different ongoing series with lots of other characters into one big crossover film. Marvel pulled it off well, and they did it three more times. The last sequel, “Avengers: Endgame”, was so huge that the studio has struggled to come up with a good way to continue the MCU after such an impressive ending. Maybe future Avengers films will change things, or I might need to remove “The Avengers” from this list.

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

Movies featuring the Guardians: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” (2017) and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (2023). Despite the fantastic Avengers films over the past decade, the Guardians series has stood out for several reasons. One key factor is that their smaller casts allowed writer/director James Gunn to delve deeper into his band of eccentrics, particularly Rocket Raccoon, a character who transformed from a one-dimensional quirky character into a deeply tragic hero within the expansive Marvel Universe, thanks largely to Gunn’s touch.

4. Knives Out

2019 saw director Rian Johnson breathing new life into the classic whodunit genre, with an ensemble of top-tier suspects being grilled by the charismatic and enigmatic detective Benoit Blanc (portrayed by Daniel Craig). This successful recipe has resulted in two intriguing detective films so far. (The next installment, “Wake Up Dead Man,” is set to premiere on Netflix soon.) Johnson has expressed his intention to continue making Knives Out movies as long as Craig continues to star in them. The entertainment value of these films is a mystery, as I can’t fathom why he would ever want to discontinue such a fun series.

3. Dune

Movies: “Dune” (2021) and “Dune: Part Two” (2024)

Although these two movies are parts of the same story derived from a single book, I would argue they aren’t simply two halves of the same film. Director Denis Villeneuve filmed the first movie, released it, and then received funding to produce the second half. Both films have garnered rave reviews for their sci-fi, action, drama, world-building, exceptional production and costume design, political intrigue, and Stellan Skarsgård’s captivating performance under layers of prosthetics while immersed in the black oil reminiscent of “The X-Files”. Essentially, they deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience for any franchise enthusiast.

2. The Spider-Verse

Among the numerous comic book series that have flooded movie theaters over the past decade, none has utilized and transformed its source material as effectively as the two installments in the animated “Spider-Verse” saga. This impressive collaboration of directors, writers, and producers delved deep into the rich history of Marvel and Spider-Man comics, merging some of their most memorable characters with advanced animation, stunning character designs, and sharp humor. While you could argue that the Tom Holland Spidey films are also worth watching, these animated movies are currently providing a delightful cinematic experience for Spider-Man fans.

1. John Wick

Movies: John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019), John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), Ballerina (2025)

The John Wick franchise has no equal in the last decade, boasting four films that range from good to exceptional. Even the long-awaited release of the spinoff film Ballerina, after rumors of extensive reshoots, was worth the wait. Reportedly, director Chad Stahelski and star Keanu Reeves are working on a fifth John Wick now, but while I’m excited about it, I’m also apprehensive. The remarkable run they’ve had over the last decade seems almost unbeatable.

However, I likely would have expressed similar doubts after watching John Wick: Chapter 3. So here’s the truth: It’s great to see you back, John. May your continued quest for vengeal against the loss of your beloved puppy never end.

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2025-07-15 03:24

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