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.
Johnson has made it known that his next project, after this coming November’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Story,” will likely not be another ‘Knives Out.’ 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.
The genesis of the film came from an idea he had right after making “Looper.”
Speaking to Empire, Johnson hinted at what’s next, and it’s certainly a departure. He’s going to be veering into the tense, paranoid world of 1970s thrillers, with just a dash of sci-fi. “I think ultimately, you just have to follow your nose,” Johnson says.
The most exciting thing right now is this idea I have in my head for the next thing I'm gonna make, and I think ultimately, that's all you can do, is just kind of follow your nose. If I had to define it genre-wise, I'd say it harkens back to the '70s paranoid thrillers. It's got a light sci-fi element to it.
To many, Johnson’s legacy is defined by his polarizing work on “The Last Jedi,” either seen as having destroyed or revitalized the Star Wars saga. When news emerged a few years ago that he was developing a new trilogy for Lucasfilm, the fan backlash was immediate and intense.
Yet, Johnson adds that he hasn’t closed the door entirely on Star Wars either. “That cog will be turning the rest of my life. I love Star Wars,” he admits. “If someday it makes sense to come back… it would be wonderful.” But for now, his creative compass points elsewhere.
The question of where his next project will land is still up in the air. His Netflix deal for two Knives Out films has now wrapped with ‘Wake Up Dead Man,’ and he’s been nothing but complimentary about the streaming giant. Netflix, he says, has taken his franchise “culturally places I never thought it would get to.”
Yet, Johnson hasn’t forgotten his roots in theaters. He’s bullish on the big-screen experience, scoffing at talk of its demise. “Theatrical experience is very, very important to me,” he insists. “This year alone, films like Sinners prove that audiences still want to be in a theater, connecting with something genuinely exciting.”
Paul Greengrass’ "The Uprising," starring Andrew Garfield, opened to $3.2M from 2,068 theaters this weekend. Yikes. The budget hasn’t been disclosed, but is said to be in the $20-$30M range.