Rian Johnson takes a break from the KNIVES OUT universe to write an original screenplay

Ryan Johnson is moving away from Knives out franchise, at least for a while. The director revealed during Deadline’s Contenders London event that his next project won’t feature Benoit Blanc or another elaborate murder mystery for Netflix. Instead, he’s turning his creative energy toward something entirely new.

“I’m writing right now, [but] it’s not one of them [Knives Out] movie. It’s just something completely different, an original thing. I actually feel very energetic after accomplishing this [Wake Up Dead Man]but these are three in a row. It’s probably healthy to see other people.

Johnson is promoting Wake Up Dead Man: A Mystery at Knives Outthe third chapter of his elegant detective series. Even though he’s temporarily putting the franchise aside, Johnson made it clear that he’s still excited to return to it in the future.

“I actually feel very energized after making this,” he said, describing the creative satisfaction of completing his latest work. However, after making three Knives out stories in succession, Johnson is ready to explore something new before returning to the world of Benoit Blanc.

Johnson hasn’t shared any details about his new original project or whether it will remain under the Netflix banner. The director famously signed a two-picture deal with the streamer following the success of the first Knives out film in 2019, which became a hit for both Johnson and Daniel Craig.

Johnson also shared what makes Wake up, dead man stand aside, saying:

“The reality of this film almost has the structure of a more traditional mystery. That’s how most of Agatha Christie’s books work, where in the first act you meet all the suspects, you meet the protagonist, who’s not the detective. Then the murder happens and the detective arrives.”

This time, the mystery takes a darker, more gothic turn. The story features Josh O’Connor as Jud Duplencity, a priest stationed in a remote area of ​​upstate New York, who becomes a key ally to Blanc as they unravel a mystery full of religious symbolism and Edgar Allan Poe-inspired atmosphere.

O’Connor had nothing but praise for working with Craig, calling the experience inspiring and exhilarating. “He’s so willing to reveal his ability,” O’Connor said, adding that Craig is “incredibly cheeky” on set and “a little bit awkward.”

While Wake up, dead man will continue to build on the great success Knives out universe, it makes sense that Johnson would want to take a break and do something different and fresh. It will be interesting to see what his next project will be.