Rian Johnson‘s sequel to the critically acclaimed Knives Out, gets the Hollywood treatment, closing in a nine-figure deal with Netflix and recruiting an A-list cast. Daniel Craig is set to reprise his role for the sequel and Johnson will return to direct.
Daniel Craig to Helm the Sequel
Knives Out introduced everyone to Detective Benoit Blanc with his over-the-top southern accent and determination to solve the murder of Harlan Thrombey, played by Christopher Plummer. The movie featured a star-studded cast; From Jamie Lee Curtis to Toni Collette, the talented ensemble made it hard to decide who was innocent and who was not. If you rooted for Chris Evans‘ innocence, well (spoiler alert!) I have some bad news for you.
The sequel, Knives Out 2, is bringing back Detective Blanc for the next installment of the Agatha-Christie-like murder/mystery. The sequel will center on Craig’s character, who is focusing on a new case. The movie was greenlit early last year by Lionsgate. Director and writer Rian Johnson has faith in Craig’s character and so do the fans, considering the film’s popularity. “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,” he told ScreenRant.
Craig isn’t the only confirmed cast member for the film. Knives Out 2 has slowly been revealing who is next to star in the sequel.
Dave Bautista
Dave Bautista, formerly known for his wrestling career, has made a name for himself in Hollywood. His biggest role to date is his portrayal of Drax The Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy, but it doesn’t end there. The former wrestler has taken on aliens, spies, and recently took on zombies in his new film, Army of the Dead. Now, he’s ready to take his acting chops into the world of murder, mystery, and a little bit of comedy. Deadline confirmed his casting for Knives Out 2 on Monday, May 10. Even after starring in big franchises like Blade Runner and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he admits pressure when taking on big roles. “It feels terrifying. I’m nervous about it. I’m really nervous. It’s one of those things where now the pressure’s on because people are expecting things from you,” he says.
The 52-year-old actor got candid with SlashFilm about what it means to work alongside well-known actors in Knives Out 2 and describes being involved in such movies as a form of validation. “So there is a bit of an intimidation factor because all these actors and directors are just accomplished and seasoned and award-winners.” He says, “But at the end of the day, this is how I gauge my career, the people I’m working with.”
Bautista acknowledged one of his fans who had been long-rooting for him to be cast in Johnson’s sequel. “Sheby, you manifested the s–t out of that,” he thanked her in a tweet showcasing the times she asked Jonson and Lionsgate to consider him. Whether it was this fan’s determination that influenced the casting or not, Bautista is ready for his new role.
Sheby you manifested the shit out of that! 😂 So thank you 🙏🏼 #DreamChasers https://t.co/RYaVkk3HVC
— The Artist Formerly Known as Super Duper Dave (@DaveBautista) May 11, 2021
Kathryn Hahn
Following in her MCU fellow’s footsteps, Kathryn Hahn is among the confirmed cast for Knives Out 2. Her work spans beyond her latest role as the “nosey neighbor” from WandaVision, having worked on numerous comedy films over the years. She is best known for her roles in Step Brothers, Bad Moms, and We’re the Millers. As of now, there is no word on who Hahn will play.
Fans were quick to reference the song “It Was Agatha All Along,” from WandaVision which reveals her character (spoiler alert!) as the villain who had been behind it all. Since the whole premise of Knives Out 2 will follow its predecessor’s “solving a mystery” plot, fans joked that her Knives Out 2 character will be the one who committed the crime. Of course, we’ll have to wait like everyone else to find out who really did it.
Edward Norton
Edward Norton is joining Bautista, Hahn, and Craig on the new mystery adventure. Deadline exclusively reported his casting and stated that his attachment to the film is a “good sign” given his commitment to previous movies that have earned him Oscar nominations. He is well known for his work in Fight Club, Birdman, and The Grand Budapest Hotel. He also follows in Bautista and Hahn’s footsteps, having worked with Marvel on The Incredible Hulk.
Beyond being a well-acclaimed actor, Norton has also dabbled in comedy. He starred in Seth Rogen‘s animated (and controversial) foody comedy, Sausage Party, where he played a Jewish bagel named Sammy. The role was different than most of the roles Norton usually plays, which only shows his range as an actor and how fitting his casting for Knives Out 2 is.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe becomes the fourth confirmed cast member to join Johnson’s film. The triple threat actor has made a mark in music and film. Monáe starred in critically acclaimed projects like Hidden Figures, Antebellum, and Moonlight. Apart from acting, Monáe also released music under Atlantic Records, which has earned several Grammy nominations.
Monáe has stayed mum on being involved with the film, only posting knife emojis to Twitter and Instagram after the announcement. Either it’s a spoiler or a motif for the movie, anything goes.
Leslie Odom Jr.
The Hollywood Reporter confirms Leslie Odom Jr. will also star in the next Knives Out film. The actor, who was nominated for his role in One Night in Miami, has not commented on the casting.
Odom also holds a Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical” for his role as Aaron Burr, in Hamilton.
Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson becomes the latest addition to the Knives Out franchise. The Hollywood Reporter confirms the former Bride Wars actress will co-star along with the star-studded and growing ensemble. Details about her character have remained under wraps. According to THR, Netflix has not commented on all the castings so far, keeping the project secretive. Interestingly, the star copies her co-star’s caption when announcing the news. Both Monáe and Hudson posted knife emojis on their social media captions after the announcement of their castings.
Knives Out Moving to Franchise Status
Given the popularity of the first movie, Knives Out is expanding its universe through Netflix in a nine-figure deal, allowing for two sequels to be made. Johnson will come back as director for the film with Ram Bergman returning as producer. Knives Out only had a $40 million budget, making $311 million at the box office. Netflix snagged the film and closed in over a $400 million deal.
Knives Out 2 will start filming in Greece this summer. As of now, there is no release date.
