Rian Johnson Wants Out of Netflix; Already Prepping “Original Sci-Fi" as Next Film [Updated]

UPDATE: Rian Johnson confirms that his next project is a “standalone” sci-fi film. The genesis of the film came from an idea he had right after making “Looper.”

EARLIER: In April 2021, Netflix shook the film world when it announced it was purchasing the rights to two ‘Knives Out’ sequels from writer-director Rian Johnson in a deal worth a reported $400M.

Here’s a new report (via from The InSneider) indicating that Johnson will likely not return to Netflix following the release of ‘Knives Out 3’ next year, and the end of his contract. In fact, he’s already set up his next film, described as “original sci-fi,” and will most likely be shopping it around to studios in the coming months.

In March, Johnson’s T-Street banner signed a two-movie deal with Warner Bros. One of those movies was Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s untitled AI thriller, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and the other will be the next film from “Fair Play” filmmaker Chloe Domont.

I’m not sure how much longer Sarandos can continue to avoid theatrical runs, but I suspect it’s a hill that he’s willing to die on. Hey, it’s been working so far— Netflix’s numbers are the envy of the entire media industry, but how sustainable is it?

A recent Deadline piece had Johnson, and his ‘Knives Out’ lead Daniel Craig, “not happy” with Netflix’s “business model.” Their ire was pointed directly towards 2022’s ‘Glass Onion’ not getting a proper theatrical run. According to Deadline’s sources, the ‘Knives Out’ sequel could have ended up making $600M worldwide if it had been released in theaters.

Of course, Netflix has another opportunity to pivot next year with the third ‘Knives Out’ installment — ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ — but sources believe the streamer will not budge for that one either. Netflix is again throwing easy money away, refusing to support chains and exhibitors, just because they have a “business model,” and Johnson’s clearly had enough.

Some trouble is starting to brew, beyond the Johnson/Craig rift. Recent reports have had Greta Gerwig and Emerald Fennell pushing back on Netflix’s no-theatrical rule for their next films. Expect more filmmakers to push back on this in 2025.