Spoiler Warning: Knives Out (2019)
With an all-star cast, a genuinely gripping murder mystery, and social commentary blended together with hilarious dialogue and visual gags, Rian Johnson’sKnives Outbecame a critical and commercial success back when it was released in 2019. It is then no wonder that a sequel,Knives Out 2, was eventually set for development.
Following the success of the firstKnives Out, Netflix purchased the rights to the film franchise for an impressive $450 million. For director Rian Johnson,Knives Outwas a passion project made on a budget of $40 million, a modest price range compared to other films (For instance, Johnson’s contribution to theStar Warsfranchise was made on a budget of $200-317 million). Reportedly, he always wanted to turn the classic whodunit style of murder mysteries into a franchise, so we can look forward to much more of the adventures of Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig).
In a statement toThe Digital Fixin October 2021,Knives Outstar Daniel Craig said:
“We’ve just finished [Knives Out 2], literally weeks ago. They’ve just wrapped up in Serbia. Dare I say it’s better? We’ll see. I don’t want to tempt fate,” Craig said. “It’s different, and that’s the amazing thing. It’s still a Benoit Blanc mystery, but it’s very different. I’m very excited about it.”
Set to release in theaters and on Netflix later this year, there is quite a bit about the film that we know so far. Let’s dive in!
Knives Out 2: The Plot
Very little information has been given for the plot ofKnives Out 2. Most of what’s been revealed could be considered obvious, given familiarity with the first film. Audiences can expect another whodunit case, where Craig’s detective character has to work out who amongst the colorful cast of players has committed the crime in question. Johnson has also stated that the sequel will not be a direct continuation of the first film, intending it to be a standalone story instead.
One interesting change to note, however, is the setting. Whereas the firstKnives Outtook us through the hallways of a Massachusetts mansion reminiscent of aClueboard, the sequel will take place on an island in Greece. Additionally, an update from Johnson back in 2021 has hinted that the film may also see our characters in New York City.
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Another question is if the sequel will also include some form of social and political commentary or if it will attempt to make a clean break from its predecessor in that regard. More importantly, would it be able to make that commentary with quite the same intelligent wit as the original film? Whatever the answer,Dave Bautista has statedthat he thinksKnives Out 2is shaping up to be just as good, if not better than, the original film. That waits to be seen, but we hope that will be the case!
Knives Out 2: The (Mostly New) Cast & Crew
So much of the first film’s identity is tied to the Thrombeys, the fabulously wealthy family whose riches and success can be tied back to the successful mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). His murder is what kick-starts the film’s plot. His attempts to teach his family about humility and hard work by cutting off their allowances, barring them from his publishing house, or revealing their secret love affairs means that everyone under his roof is a prime suspect in his death. The actors portraying each family member play off one another so well, and it’s both hilarious and satisfying to watch their power and wealth fall apart in the face of something only Ana de Armas’s character Marta seems to possess: the ability to be a genuinely good person.
Understandably, the Thrombeys will not be returning to this sequel, and neither will Ana de Armas. In their place, we have another ensemble cast consisting of the likes of Dave Bautista, Edward Norton, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Kate Hudson, Madelyn Cline, Janelle Monáe, Jessica Henwick, and Ethan Hawke. And of course, Daniel Craig will return as the famous detective Benoit Blanc, a character who has quickly become one of his more iconic roles. It is unknown how these characters will connect to one another.
Related:Kathryn Hann Says Knives Out 2 Feels Like an ‘Old School Ensemble’
While an actor’s name may be what drives ticket sales, there is a lot that goes into a movie’s success behind the scenes. Although most of the firstKnives Out’s cast isn’t returning, key players in the film’s presentation are. This includes score composer Nathan Johnson, cinematographer Steve Yedlin — who has worked with Rian Johnson on all his film endeavors — and editor Bob Ducsay.
For media such as film and television shows, quality often hinges on a cinematographer or editor’s choices and the feelings provided by a musical score. Moviegoers certainly don’t require a degree in film or a vested interest in filmmaking to be able to tell when something about a movie’s score, editing, or camera shots seems out of place. With that in mind, it’s good to know that people who understand and helped develop the atmosphere of the firstKnives Outare returning to ensure that same quality continues into its sequel.
Release Date
The closest we have to arelease date forKnives Out 2is late 2022, as Netflix has not given specific dates. This might be attributed to caution in case a need for delays arises. Hopefully, we will soon receive an official announcement coupled with a trailer.
