Benoit Blanc on Hiatus: Rian Johnson Prioritizes ’70s Sci-Fi Thriller Before Starting Knives Out 4
Rian Johnson Confirms Knives Out 4 Is Coming, But His Next Film Is a ’70s Sci-Fi Thriller
The mystery continues—just not the one fans were immediately expecting. In the wake of the highly successful Netflix release of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery on December 12, 2025, writer-director Rian Johnson has provided a highly anticipated, yet bittersweet, update on the future of the beloved Benoit Blanc franchise. While a fourth film is conceptually “in the cards” and has some early creative “kernels,” Johnson has confirmed his immediate next project will be an original feature film, a ’70s-inspired paranoid thriller with a light sci-fi element, pushing the arrival of Knives Out 4 further down the timeline.
The news, stemming from recent interviews, sets the stage for a creative divergence for the celebrated filmmaker, giving the public a clear sense of his artistic priorities after three consecutive Benoit Blanc adventures. Fans excited for another immediate whodunnit featuring Daniel Craig’s gentleman detective will have to wait, as Johnson’s focus shifts to a completely new genre and story.
The Vague, But Promising, Status of ‘Knives Out 4’
Wake Up Dead Man, which follows 2019’s Knives Out and 2022’s Glass Onion, has garnered glowing reviews and high viewership, solidifying the franchise’s standing as a modern cinematic powerhouse. This success makes a fourth installment almost inevitable, and Johnson has acknowledged he is already contemplating it.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the director confirmed that the door is wide open for Daniel Craig’s return as Detective Benoit Blanc. However, he was quick to temper expectations regarding a rapid production timeline. “I have some basic, elemental, conceptual ideas,” Johnson said of Knives Out 4, elaborating that the concepts are merely “’Okay, it’d be interesting if it were this kind of thing’ kernels.”
Crucially, Johnson emphasized the lack of any concrete creative foundation for the fourth mystery. “I don’t have actual concrete ideas,” he clarified. “I don’t have a theme yet, I don’t have a location. It’s really pretty vague, and I feel like it’s good to kinda keep it vague until I’m ready to actually sit down and write it.”
This deliberate lack of urgency stems from Johnson’s creative philosophy for the Benoit Blanc series. He views each installment as a “vibe check of the United States,” insisting that the stories must reflect the “present moment” and what “we’re all feeling in the world at that moment.” To ensure the next film is a timely and relevant mystery, he needs a new chapter of American life to unfold before he can dive in. This contrasts sharply with the quick turnaround between the second and third films, suggesting a much longer wait is on the horizon.
The Immediate Next Project: ’70s Thrills and Light Sci-Fi
The reason for the extended wait is simple: Rian Johnson is prioritizing a passion project that falls outside the familiar world of the Knives Out franchise. He confirmed that his next feature film will be a completely original story, one that he has been eager to make for some time.
Previously teased in an interview with Empire, the film is described as harkening back to the ’70s paranoid thrillers that defined a generation of filmmaking, such as The Conversation or Three Days of the Condor. To add a unique, modern twist, Johnson revealed the project will also feature a “light sci-fi element to it.”
This shift back to original genre work is a welcome move for many film critics and fans who have followed Johnson’s eclectic career, which includes the sci-fi masterpiece Looper, the neo-noir debut Brick, and his massive undertaking on Star Wars: The Last Jedi. By returning to a smaller, contained, and original project, Johnson is embracing the kind of creative freedom that often produces his most celebrated work.
After completing the two Knives Out sequels for Netflix as part of his massive deal, Johnson is now free to pursue this original concept. This choice is significant, as it demonstrates his commitment to balancing franchise work with personal, standalone projects, much like the path he charted before the success of the first Knives Out film. The move also ensures the Knives Out franchise doesn’t become over-saturated, guaranteeing that when Benoit Blanc does return, the case will be fully formed and creatively robust, not rushed.
The anticipation for this unnamed sci-fi thriller is building rapidly. While details on casting, production start dates, and specific plot points remain under wraps, the mere description of a blend between ’70s paranoia and subtle science fiction has put it high on the list of most-anticipated original films. The project aligns perfectly with Johnson’s strengths: intricate plotting, genre subversion, and a knack for sharp social commentary, which a paranoid thriller premise is perfectly suited to deliver.
The Impact of the Netflix Deal and Franchise Future
The continuation of the Knives Out universe, even with a pause, is a testament to the success of the two-sequel deal Rian Johnson and producing partner Ram Bergman struck with Netflix back in 2021. That deal, valued at around $450 million, secured Glass Onion and Wake Up Dead Man exclusively for the streaming giant. While the contractually obligated sequels have now been delivered, the clear demand from both the audience and Netflix makes a Knives Out 4 a certainty—it simply will not be his immediate focus.
Daniel Craig has consistently expressed his love for the role of Benoit Blanc, making his return for a fourth film highly probable once Johnson is ready to write it. The detective has become one of the most iconic new characters in modern cinema, and the partnership between Johnson and Craig is foundational to the franchise’s success. This new timeline means Craig will also have the opportunity to pursue other projects before donning Blanc’s signature impeccable attire once more.
Muppets Crossover Off the Table: Johnson Vetoes Fan Idea
In a lighter but definitive piece of recent news, Johnson took the time to address one of the more peculiar and persistent fan theories that gained traction online: a Knives Out and Muppets crossover film. The unconventional idea, which would pair the suave Benoit Blanc with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, was firmly rejected by the director.
Johnson politely, but definitively, shut down the prospect, explaining that while he respects both franchises, the tones are incompatible. A murder mystery, by its very nature, would require characters to be, well, dead—a prospect that would fundamentally change and disrespect the beloved Muppets universe. This confirmation closes the book on a fun internet fantasy, ensuring that Blanc’s future mysteries will remain firmly in the realm of human (or human-adjacent) suspects.
Conclusion: A Creative Break Pays Off Later
Rian Johnson’s decision to pursue an original sci-fi/paranoid thriller before penning Knives Out 4 is a signal that quality trumps speed. By taking a deliberate break from Benoit Blanc, he ensures that the next installment will feel fresh, timely, and fully conceived, rather than rushed to capitalize on current momentum. While fans must reconcile themselves to a longer wait for the return of their favorite detective, the trade-off is the exciting prospect of a new, original film from one of cinema’s most inventive storytellers, followed by a guaranteed, top-tier Knives Out sequel. Both are now on the official cinematic horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will there be a Knives Out 4?
Yes, Rian Johnson has confirmed he has “basic, elemental, conceptual ideas” for a fourth film, and the success of Wake Up Dead Man makes it very likely to happen. However, it will not be his next project.
What is Rian Johnson’s next movie going to be?
Rian Johnson’s immediate next feature film will be an original project, described as a ’70s-inspired paranoid thriller with a “light sci-fi element” to it. He has not yet revealed the title or any casting details.
Why is Rian Johnson delaying Knives Out 4?
Johnson is delaying Knives Out 4 because he wants to pursue his original sci-fi/thriller idea first. Additionally, he stated he does not yet have a concrete theme, location, or fully formed plot idea for the next Benoit Blanc mystery and wants to ensure it’s a timely “vibe check of the United States” before writing it.
Is Daniel Craig confirmed to return as Benoit Blanc in the next film?
While not officially signed for a fourth installment, the confirmation of the film’s conceptual development strongly implies Daniel Craig will return, as the character is central to the franchise and the actor has expressed his eagerness to continue the role.
When was Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery released?
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery was released on Netflix on December 12, 2025.
Was the Knives Out and Muppets crossover ever a real possibility?
No. Rian Johnson recently shut down the popular fan-pitched idea, explaining that the fundamental requirement of a murder mystery—characters being killed—is incompatible with the nature and tone of the beloved Muppets franchise.
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