Rian Johnson Eyes Meryl Streep for Future Knives Out Film
Rian Johnson hints at his dream casting for a future Knives Out instalment, singling out Meryl Streep as the perfect fit for a murder mystery.
With Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery yet to make its debut on Netflix, director Rian Johnson is already contemplating who might join the next investigation led by Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc. The upcoming film boasts an impressive line-up, featuring Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Thomas Haden Church, and Josh Brolin. Yet, Johnson has his sights set on a particular star for a potential future chapter.
Speaking candidly about his aspirations for the franchise, Johnson revealed his admiration for Meryl Streep, the acclaimed Oscar-winner.
“There are so many great actors I’d like to work with. But, yes, if you’re reading this, Meryl Streep, I feel like you’d slot into a murder mystery very well.”
Streep’s experience with the genre is well established, having appeared in three series of Only Murders in the Building. Her knack for whodunits, combined with her formidable screen presence, makes her a natural choice to spar with Craig’s southern sleuth.
Streep’s Comedic Edge and Genre Appeal
Johnson’s enthusiasm for Streep’s potential involvement is clear.
“I feel like Meryl Streep would kill it. She was born to be in one of these films; she’s hilarious.”
Her comedic timing and versatility have not gone unnoticed by her peers. Andrew Scott, who stars in Wake Up Dead Man, has praised both Streep and the series Only Murders in the Building, noting how the show and the new film each bring their own twist to the murder mystery format.
Scott remarked,
“Only Murders in the Building is a great example, in that you’ve got the two best comedians in the world, and Selena Gomez and Meryl Streep; all these incredible comedic people. I suppose that juxtaposition of those two things is what people are into.”
The blend of sharp humour and suspense seems to be a winning formula, and Streep’s involvement would only heighten the intrigue.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
Audiences can currently catch Only Murders in the Building on Disney+ and Hulu, while Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is showing in cinemas ahead of its Netflix release on 12 December. As the franchise continues to evolve, the prospect of Streep joining the ensemble is sure to excite fans and critics alike.
For those keen to keep up with the latest in the world of film, a host of new releases are on the horizon, promising plenty more mysteries and star-studded casts to look forward to.