'Knives Out' Sequel with Daniel Craig in the Works
After becoming a box office smash since its release in November, "Knives Out," a whodunnit with an ensemble cast, is getting a sequel, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Writer-director Rian Johnson told THR he's working on a follow-up to the film that will again center on detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, who is set to solve a new case. Johnson also said he's eager for a quick turn around on the sequel, hoping it'll hit theaters in the next year.
Ram Bergman, Johnson's producing partner, told THR that Craig is ready to pick up his magnifying glass.
"Daniel had so much fun doing it, and he wants to do more," he said.
Joe Drake, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, also told THR he's eager to read Johnson's script.
"Knives Out" became an unexpected hit this fall. With a $40 million budget and a huge cast that stars Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Christopher Plummer, Toni Collette and more, the whodunnit has earned $247 million worldwide. That's a big deal in Hollywood, considering the film is wholly original and not based on existing intellectual property. It also picked up a few Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture Comedy and Best Actress in a Comedy for Ana de Armas and Best Actor in a Comedy for Craig.
Though a sequel hasn't been officially approved by Lionsgate, THR notes that with "Knives Out" being so lucrative, it could be a new franchise for the company and for Craig, who is currently playing James Bond in the upcoming "No Time to Die."