In 2019, Knives Out opened in theaters to rave reviews. Part drama, part comedy, and part mystery, this film centers around the elite, eccentric, and contentious Thrombey family. After their patriarch—a big time mystery author by the name of Harlan (Christopher Plummer)—dies of a highly suspicious suicide, the matter of his will causes tension between the family. Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) arrives on the scene to get to the heart of the truth, turning to Harlan's private nurse, Marta (Ana de Armas) for help—a seemingly perfect source, as telling lies causes her to vomit.
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A few months ago, we got confirmation that Knives Out 2 is officially on its way. Dying to know what's to come in this follow-up to the world of Benoit Blanc? Here's everything we know so far about the upcoming project.
Who's involved?
It seems obvious that Knives Out writer and director Rian Johnson is slated to helm the sequel, which will also see Daniel Craig's return as private detective Benoit Blanc. But who will join them to tell what is sure to be another gripping tale?
Much like the first movie, the sequel is already jam-packed with star power. The Internet was abuzz after news broke that Oscar-nominated actor Edward Norton accepted a role in the film. Other noteworthy cast members include Dave Bautista, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Kate Hudson, Jessica Henwick, and Madelyn Cline. Jada Pinkett Smith and Ethan Hawke haven't been announced as involved in the project, but set photos indicate their involvement—at least in some small measure.
This collection of star-studded names is one viewers might never have expected to see together in once place, but it promises a movie full of incredible performances.
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For those interested in more behind-the-scenes news, Johnson is slated to work once again with cinematographer Steven Yedlin. They've worked together on every feature film Johnson has directed, including Brick, The Brothers Bloom, Looper, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
The costume designer from the Knives Out film, Jenny Eagan, is also making her return. Instead of the cozy autumn looks of the first feature, the Netflix film will see Eagan pulling a summer fashion focus.
What's it about?
Very few plot details of the film have been released yet, but what we do know promises an excitingly different experience from the first movie. While Knives Out took place in New England, its follow-up is set to utilize the charming locale of Greece. With an extensively American cast, the promise of international trouble promises even higher stakes this time around.
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One important detail that Johnson wants to make clear is that this isn't exactly a sequel. In the style of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot series, the film will follow Blanc throughout the same world as he pursues an entirely different case with new characters. In fact, the title Knives Out 2 is merely a placeholder adopted by Internet sleuths; the title of the upcoming film will likely be something wholly original.
Where and when can we watch it?
Unlike the first film, which saw a massively successful theatrical release, Knives Out 2—as well as a promised third installment in the murder mystery franchise—is set for an exclusive Netflix release. Rian Johnson and his producing partner Ram Bergman signed a deal with the streaming service for $469 million, which subsequently gave them complete creative control over the upcoming films.
Knives Out 2 will come out sometime in 2022, but no set release date has been confirmed. Production for the film is currently underway, having begun in June 2021. As of July 30, principal photography was halfway complete.
There's a lot still up in the air regarding this movie, but even with as little as we have to go on, it's hard to be anything but excited for what's to come. We'll keep you updated as more news, trailers, and dates pour in!
