Rian Johnson Eyes Meryl Streep for Future ‘Knives Out’ Film

Filmmaker Rian Johnson has expressed a desire to cast Meryl Streep in a future installment of his acclaimed Knives Out franchise. This revelation comes as anticipation builds for the release of Wake Up Dead Man, the third film in the series, which is now in select theatres.

In an interview with Variety, Johnson stated, “I feel like Meryl Streep would kill it. She was born to be in one of these movies; she’s hilarious.” His enthusiasm for Streep, a three-time Academy Award winner, highlights the filmmaker’s ambition to elevate the franchise with top-tier talent. Yet, he acknowledged a significant challenge: “I don’t know her at all,” he added, laughing about the prospect of working with the iconic actress.

Kerry Washington, who stars alongside Johnson in Wake Up Dead Man, could potentially facilitate this dream casting. She has previously worked with Streep on the 2020 production of The Prom and expressed her willingness to recommend Johnson to the esteemed actress. “You ask people about what it’s like to be in these movies, and everybody says it’s just a dream,” Washington remarked. “So I would encourage her.”

The Knives Out franchise has seen significant success since the release of the first film in 2019, followed by the sequel, Glass Onion, in 2022. With each installment, Johnson has crafted engaging murder mysteries that resonate with audiences and critics alike.

Wake Up Dead Man is currently available in select theatres and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 12, 2023. The franchise’s unique blend of humor and suspense continues to attract attention, and the potential addition of Streep could further enhance its appeal.

As fans eagerly await the next chapter, Johnson’s aspirations reflect his commitment to innovation within the genre, promising an exciting future for the Knives Out series.