As anticipation builds for the release of Knives Out 3, fans of the murder mystery franchise are eagerly seeking information about the upcoming installment. Rian Johnson’s unique take on the genre has garnered widespread acclaim, making Knives Out a standout hit in recent years. With the success of the first film and a lucrative deal with Netflix for two sequels, the franchise has cemented its place in the world of modern whodunnits.

Release Date: When Will Knives Out 3 Arrive?

While the production of Knives Out 3 is in progress, an official release date remains elusive. Rian Johnson, the creative force behind the series, confirmed his involvement in the third movie early in 2023. However, he emphasized his commitment to delivering a fresh and distinct experience for fans, steering away from mere replication:

“These movies are about entertainment first and foremost. What was exciting about doing [‘Glass Onion’] was the notion of trying to emulate Christie with a completely new story. I’m starting to work on the third movie now, and that’s also what’s got me creatively jazzed: I don’t have to replicate the last movie at all. The goal is to strike out in a completely new direction tonally and thematically.”

Johnson’s enthusiasm for the project and his dedication to crafting a unique narrative indicate that Knives Out 3 will offer an exciting departure from its predecessors. While a specific release date remains uncertain, it is expected to debut on Netflix, possibly in late 2025.

Netflix, keen to capitalize on the franchise’s success, may push for an earlier release. However, the ongoing writers’ and actors’ strikes in Hollywood could potentially disrupt the production schedule, causing delays until a resolution is reached.

Cast: Who’s Returning for Knives Out 3?

As it stands, the only confirmed character for Knives Out 3 is the series’ iconic detective, Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig. Craig’s portrayal of the eccentric inspector has been a constant presence in the first two films, and he remains a central figure in the upcoming installment.

The introduction of Benoit’s husband, Philip, in ‘Glass Onion’ (played by Hugh Grant) suggests that he will also make a return appearance. Craig hinted at the character’s romantic life playing a role in the third film, highlighting its significance to Blanc’s identity.

While the return of some familiar faces is anticipated, fans should not expect other characters from previous films to reappear. Director Rian Johnson has expressed his desire to follow the Agatha Christie model, crafting each Benoit Blanc mystery in a new location with a fresh cast:

“If each one of these can really be what Agatha Christie did, if it can be not just in a totally new location and a new cast, but also trying something exciting, I’ll keep doing it as long as Daniel and I are having a good time. I’ll keep making these as long as they let me.”

Despite limited information about the cast, the Knives Out franchise’s reputation for attracting A-list talent suggests that fans can anticipate more renowned actors to join the ensemble.

Plot: What Can We Expect from Knives Out 3?

One of the defining features of the Knives Out franchise is the standalone nature of its films. Each installment features a self-contained mystery for Benoit Blanc to unravel, with the detective being the only consistent element.

Predicting the plot of Knives Out 3 is challenging due to this standalone format. Director Rian Johnson has confirmed that the movie will be set in the United States, departing from the exotic locales featured in ‘Glass Onion.’ He expressed his commitment to keeping the series rooted in American settings, despite the temptation of international locations.

Some fans have expressed a desire for the franchise to take a more international turn, but Johnson’s vision for the third film centers on bringing the story closer to home:

“Even with ‘Glass Onion,’ it’s set overseas but it’s a group of Americans who are trapped on an island together, so bringing it back to somewhere a little closer to home I think could be a good thing for the next one.”

Actor Chris Evans, who played a pivotal role in the first film, proposed an intriguing idea for Knives Out 3, suggesting a storyline where his character seeks revenge against Benoit Blanc. While it remains to be seen if this concept will be adopted, it underscores the series’ penchant for unexpected twists and turns.

Given the franchise’s track record of delivering compelling mysteries, fans can look forward to a gripping and unpredictable narrative in Knives Out 3. Whether it involves solving a murder or thwarting an attempt on Blanc’s life, the third installment is sure to deliver the same level of suspense and intrigue that fans have come to expect from the Knives Out series.