Last Updated: May 12, 2021
Plans are finally moving forward on not one, but two Knives Out sequels — here's everything we know about (and can expect from) Knives Out 2. Two years after Star Wars: The Last Jedi released, director Rian Johnson returned with another big film and an equally star-studded cast that consisted of big name actors like Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Christopher Plummer.
While The Last Jedi was considerably divisive, Knives Out received almost universal acclaim from critics, and audiences have enjoyed the film as well. That has, in part, been due to its ensemble cast as well as its witty humor and ability to keep the viewer guessing throughout as the mystery unfolded.
With all that in mind, it's no surprise that Knives Out 2 is happening, considering the first film's massive success. Furthermore, a murder mystery is a genre that won't necessarily go out of style or become oversaturated. As long as there's an interesting story to tell, Knives Out 2 can tell it. What is surprising, however, is the way in which Knives Out 2 is being distributed, shifting from being a Lionsgate release (like the original film was). Of course, Knives Out 2 won't release for a while, but production is set to begin soon. Here's everything we know about Knives Out 2, including its release date, cast, story details and where to watch.
Knives Out 2 Is Officially Happening
Knives Out 2 was officially greenlit by Lionsgate as of February 6, 2020, which is great for Johnson, as he initially expressed interest in making more movies with Daniel Craig. Back in January 2020, Johnson had confirmed he was working on the script for the sequel, and would like to get it made within the next year. For their part, Lionsgate execs also wanted production to begin as soon as possible. In an interview with Screen Rant, Johnson said, "I would love to. We'll see how this one does, you know. But if this movie does alright, if I can get together with Daniel every few years and do a new Benoit Blanc mystery? New location, new cast, new mystery. It’d be so much fun." Johnson said that he wanted to do what famous mystery author Agatha Christie did with her novels. Christie’s novels often followed a famous detective by the name of Hercule Poirot, a character very similar to Craig’s Benoit Blanc. In each book, Poirot would have to solve a new mystery, involving different characters in different locations.
In a new plot twist, Lionsgate will no longer be releasing Knives Out 2 or its sequel, Knives Out 3. Rather, Johnson and producing partner Ram Bergman signed a whopping $469 million deal with Netflix, which gave the pair complete creative control over the sequels. This happened because Johnson and Bergman owned the rights to the films and their reps at CAA began shopping Knives Out 2 around due to the unlikelihood that the sequel would be released in theaters considering the ongoing pandemic. And so, audiences with a Netflix subscription will get to watch Knives Out 2 when it's released, for better or worse.
Knives Out 2 Story Details
While Knives Out 2 is happening, it won't be about the Thrombey family. That story is over, but Daniel Craig’s character, Benoit Blanc, solving a different mystery remains on the menu. Since a follow-up to Knives Out is still in the pre-production stage, no plot details have been revealed yet. However, the fact that Johnson wants to follow the template of the Christie novels should get fans excited. Knives Out 2 will involve Benoit Blanc solving a new murder in Greece instead of New England. New characters will be introduced, with casting expected to begin soon. Johnson has also expressed a desire to tell a different style of murder mystery in Knives Out 2, so fans shouldn't expect the sequel to have any deep ties to the first film outside of Blanc's involvement.
Knives Out 2 Cast
Knives Out 2 will not be short on star power. Knives Out did a good job bringing in star actors such as Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, and Jamie Lee Curtis along with popular up-and-comers Ana de Armas, Katherine Langford and Jaeden Martell. Knives Out 2 is duplicating that formula for the sequel. That being said, Knives Out 2 will undoubtedly at least star Craig again as Benoit Blanc. He'll be joined by Dave Bautista, Edward Norton, and Janelle Monáe. Over on Instagram, Curtis gave an update on what the Thrombeys have been up to following the events of Knives Out and confirmed that none of them would be joining Blanc on his adventures in Greece.
Knives Out 2 Release Date Info
Knives Out 2 looked ready to hit the production fast track in February 2020, but the pandemic got in the way. The good news is, now that Knives Out 2 has a new home on Netflix, filming is reportedly set to begin in June 2021 in Greece. With that in mind, the sequel could be released at some point in 2022 at the earliest. Based on Johnson's desire to make a sequel fast, and Craig's stated desire to return, a 2022 release appears exceedingly likely, perhaps around Thanksgiving. How long filming on the Knives Out sequel will take remains to be seen, but fans can get excited that it's finally happening.