The phrase "more knives out movies" usually refers to films beyond the original 2019 ensemble murder mystery that expand the universe or carry its style forward. This guide covers official sequels, planned entries, and related projects, clarifying what exists, what is in development, and what remains speculative. You will find production status, key creatives, and casting trends for each title, helping you understand how the story continues and what to expect next.
Knives Out (2019): The Original Film
Directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Lionsgate, the first Knives Out centers on detective Benoit Blanc investigating the death of a wealthy crime novelist, Harlan Thrombey. The ensemble cast includes Daniel Craig as Blanc, alongside Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Katherine Langford, and Jeffrey Wright. The film earned strong critical reception and commercial success, establishing a blueprint for modern mystery narratives with stylized dialogue and intricate plotting.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Glass Onion serves as the first direct sequel, again directed and written by Rian Johnson. Benoit Blanc is invited to a tech billionaire’s private Greek island along with a circle of friends, where a series of seemingly impossible events culminate in a murder. The cast expands to include Edward Norton, Jodie Turner-Smith, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Dave Bautista, and Kate Hudson. Glass Onion further develops themes of celebrity, wealth, and loyalty while introducing new visual settings and narrative twists.
Key Cast and Roles in Glass Onion
| Actor | Character | Role Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Craig | Benoit Blanc | Lead detective; charismatic, methodical investigator. |
| Edward Norton | Miles Bron | Tech billionaire and host; central to the mystery. |
| Jodie Turner-Smith | Andi Brand | Private investigator with a complex past. |
| Dave Bautista | Whynot | Security expert and island guest. |
| Leslie Odom Jr. | Carlos | Tech entrepreneur and guest. |
| Kate Hudson | Lydia | Celebrity heiress and guest. |
Upcoming and Rumored More Knives Out Movies
Multiple announcements have surfaced regarding additional films, though some remain in early development. As of now, a third main installment titled Wake Up Dead Man is in production, with an ensemble cast featuring Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Josh Duhamel, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, and Glenn Close. Unlike the prior two films, this project is structured as an ensemble murder mystery spanning multiple timelines. Further rumored concepts include genre experiments and thematic explorations that have not advanced into active production.
Confirmed Projects Status Overview
| Title | Status | Primary Cast | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knives Out (2019) | Released | Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas | Original feature; critical and commercial success. |
| Glass Onion (2022) | Released | Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Jodie Turner-Smith | First sequel; strong streaming performance. |
| Wake Up Dead Man (TBD) | In Production | Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Josh Duhamel | Ensemble format; shift in narrative structure. |
| Untitled Project (Rumored) | Development/Speculative | Unknown | Potential thematic or genre experiment; no confirmed timeline. |
Production Companies and Leadership
The core creative engine behind the films is Johnson Productions in partnership with Lionsgate. Rian Johnson serves as writer and director across existing releases, maintaining consistent tone and authorship. Media Rights Capital co-produces, supporting large-scale ensemble casts and expansive locations. This stable leadership contributes to the coherent style and narrative ambition seen across released entries and informs expectations for future films.
Recurring Cast and Collaborators
Certain actors appear across multiple films, creating continuity in tone and performance. Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Benoit Blanc has become a signature element, blending suave sophistication with sharp wit. Other frequent collaborators include cinematographer Steve Yedlin, editor Bob Ducsay, and composer Nathan Johnson. Recurring supporting performers add texture and reliability, helping each film feel connected within the broader universe.
Thematic and Narrative Evolution
The original established a template of celebrity suspects, methodical investigation, and twist-heavy storytelling. Glass Onion expanded the scope to include digital culture, influencer dynamics, and the ethics of friendship. Wake Up Dead Man is expected to further explore interpersonal conflict and moral ambiguity across an ensemble canvas. As the series progresses, themes of accountability, legacy, and the cost of fame become more pronounced, giving each installment distinct context while preserving the core mystery framework.
Audience Reception and Cultural Impact
Critical response to the released films has been largely positive, with praise for screenplay, direction, and performances. Glass Onion notably achieved strong viewership on streaming platforms, demonstrating the viability of high-profile mysteries in digital formats. The series has influenced conversation around modern whodunits, inspiring discussions around structure, tone, and representation. Fandom engagement remains active, with ongoing speculation and analysis surrounding future casting and plot directions.
Summary and What to Watch For
More knives out movies encompass both released sequels and upcoming projects that extend the universe initiated by the original. Glass Onion confirms the franchise’s momentum, while Wake Up Dead Man signals a broader, more ambitious narrative approach. As development continues on additional concepts, audiences can expect carefully crafted mysteries, strong ensemble casts, and the distinctive voice of Rian Johnson. Tracking confirmed production updates and official announcements will provide clarity on future releases and creative directions.