Rian Johnson Eyes Meryl Streep for Future Knives Out Installment
Director Rian Johnson shares his dream casting for a future Knives Out film, revealing that Oscar-winner Meryl Streep tops his wish list. He praises her unique talent and hints at how perfectly she’d fit into a murder mystery.
Even before Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery makes its Netflix debut, Rian Johnson is already looking ahead to the next chapter in his whodunit series. The upcoming film boasts a star-studded cast, featuring Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Thomas Haden Church, and Josh Brolin. But when it comes to his dream addition for a future case, Johnson has one name in mind: Meryl Streep.
Johnson’s Dream Casting
In a recent conversation with IndieWire, Johnson opened up about his hopes for the franchise’s future. He admitted,
“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 already proven—she’s appeared in three seasons of Only Murders in the Building, showing she can handle the twists and turns of a classic whodunit. Pairing her with Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc would be a match made in mystery heaven.
Why Streep Stands Out
Johnson didn’t stop there. Speaking to Variety, he emphasized just how perfect Streep would be for the role, saying,
“I feel like Meryl Streep would kill it. She was born to be in one of these movies; she’s hilarious.”
Her comedic timing and dramatic chops make her a natural fit for the unpredictable world of Knives Out. Andrew Scott, one of the stars of Wake Up Dead Man, also praised Streep and the show Only Murders in the Building, noting how both the series and the new film bring their own unique spin to the murder mystery genre.
What’s Next for the Franchise
Scott shared his thoughts in an interview, highlighting the blend of comedy and suspense that draws audiences in:
“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.”
Fans can catch Only Murders in the Building now on Disney+ and Hulu, while Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is currently playing in select theaters and will hit Netflix worldwide on December 12. For those eager for more, there’s a whole slate of upcoming movies to look forward to.