'Knives Out' Director Rian Johnson Eyes Meryl Streep for Next Mystery Film

'Knives Out' has attracted a lot of love and praise from audiences and has no wonder quickly become a fan favourite. The mystery-thriller universe is not halting anytime soon, and it has various interesting plans for moving ahead. Out of the many plans, one of those plans might include Meryl Streep. 

Meryl Streep may be the next major star to join the expanding 'Knives Out' universe—at least if director Rian Johnson gets his wish. In a recent interview with IndieWire, Johnson shared that one of the biggest joys of developing the murder-mystery franchise is the opportunity to work with new actors across each film's ensemble cast.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Rian Johnson on Next 'Knives Out' Franchise

When asked who he hoped to cast alongside Daniel Craig's detective Benoit Blanc in a future instalment, Johnson didn’t hesitate to name Streep as his dream addition. He expressed that she would blend effortlessly into the world of an intricate whodunit. With Streep's recent surprise debut on 'Saturday Night Live' after decades in the industry, Johnson added that if producer Lorne Michaels could bring her onto the show, then the possibility of casting her in 'Knives Out' certainly felt within reach.

The newest film in the series, 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,' arrives in select theatres on 26th November before streaming on Netflix on 12th December. Craig returns as the sharp and eccentric Blanc, joined by an entirely new ensemble cast. Josh O'Connor stars as a troubled priest navigating a parish filled with secrets, while Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington and Andrew Scott round out the lineup.

Also Read: https://indigomusic.com/pop-cultures/whats-up-pop-news/shrek-5-adds-snls-marcello-hern%C3%A1ndez-and-skyler-gisondo-10819767

Image Courtesy: Netflix

Rian Johnson Sheds Light on 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery'

Johnson also noted that the tone of 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' shifts significantly from the lighter, more playful energy of 'Glass Onion.' He explained that the new story was fueled by deeply personal themes and a sense of urgency that influenced the film's emotional core.

This movie concludes Johnson's current two-film deal with Netflix, leaving the future of the franchise officially unconfirmed. However, both Johnson and Craig have expressed enthusiasm about continuing Blanc's adventures. Johnson emphasised that the franchise only works as long as the partnership between director and star remains creatively exciting, and that either one of them would step back if that spark ever faded.

Image Courtesy: Netflix

While Streep is not yet part of the 'Knives Out' cast, she has stayed active in the mystery-comedy world through her recurring role on 'Only Murders in the Building.' She is also set to return to the big screen in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' scheduled for release on 1st May, 2026.

Also Read: https://indigomusic.com/pop-cultures/whats-up-pop-news/ariana-grande-and-jonathan-bailey-love-scene-cut-from-wicked-for-good-10819669