While it won’t walk away with any gold on Oscar night this weekend, Knives Out will still have one thing that most of the Best Picture nominees won’t have: a sequel.
After sweeping up audiences off of their feet this past Thanksgiving, Knives Out will return to the big screen with an all-new case to solve. According to writer-director Rian Johnson (Looper, Star Wars: The Last Jedi), Knives Out 2 will feature a new story and an all-new cast. The only element that will be consistent between the two films will be Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc, who will presumably return in the sequel to solve yet another mind-boggling mystery.
I have two different reactions to hearing about this news. My gut reaction is excitement, since Knives Out is one of the most clever, meticulous, and ingenious films not just from the year, but from the decade. How many other films have a cast as outstanding and memorable as this one? How many other mystery-thrillers have a plot as dizzying and well-crafted? How many quality who-dun-its like this even grace the screen any more? Watching Knives Out felt like a chess match playing out in real time, with characters moving across the board trying to get each other at such a quick pace that you’re constantly trying to anticipate what their next move will be. It’s hands down one of the most brilliant films of the year, and hearing that a sequel is underway is exciting at first.
But then you marinate over the fact that this will be a new story with a new cast attached to it. No Harlan Thrombey. No Marta Cabrera. No Hugh Ransom, Linda Drysdale, Joni, or Walt Thrombey. It will be an all-new scenario with an all-new cast of characters, which in turn means that this really will be an all-new film.
I’m down for yet another Christine Agatha-themed mystery thriller with Rian Johnson at the helm. After all, he already proved he could do it masterfully with the likes of Knives Out. But since most of the film is presumably going to be so different from the original, why have it related to Knives Out at all in the first place? Why not just set up a new scenario with an all-new detective who isn’t Benoit Blanc and have them solve the new mystery? Why have it be connected to Knives Out at all? That feels like it might hinder the film more than help it, especially when you’re comparing two mystery thrillers released so closely together.
What do you think? Are you excited that Knives Out is getting a sequel, or do you think Rian Johnson should turn the page on a new mystery? Comment below, let me know.
– David Dunn
SOURCE: Deadline, SiriusXM
DAVID DUNN 