Rian Johnson Chasing New Mysteries: A Fourth Knives Out In His Sights!

The Director's New Puzzle

Rian Johnson isn't closing the book on his crafty detective Benoit Blanc just yet. While out promoting his latest film, "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," Johnson revealed that he's already mentally sketching ideas for a potential fourth entry in the beloved whodunit series. In a chat with Entertainment Weekly, he admitted that while these ideas are still in their infancy, the wheels are definitely turning.

“I have some basic, elemental, conceptual ideas,” Johnson explained. “Like, ‘Okay, it’d be interesting if it were this kind of thing’ kernels.”

Why Patience is a Virtue

Despite his enthusiasm, Johnson plans to take a breather from the series. After crafting three intricate stories back-to-back, he's ready for a fresh cinematic challenge. He aims to tackle an entirely new project before diving back into the Knives Out universe.

"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 keep it vague until I’m ready to actually sit down and write it."

Timing is Everything

Johnson also emphasized the importance of timing in shaping his films. Rather than tying his narratives to specific events, he seeks to capture the broader emotional landscape of the times.

"Part of making these movies, for me, is reacting to the present moment," he shared. "Not necessarily with current events or politics, but in terms of what we’re all feeling in the world at that moment."

What's Next for Benoit Blanc?

The Knives Out series, according to Johnson, is designed to be a reflection of its era, with each entry offering a snapshot of contemporary life. While the next Benoit Blanc mystery remains a glimmer on the horizon, fans can rest assured that his story is far from over. The right moment, as Johnson suggests, will eventually bring the next adventure to life.