Director Rian Johnson has expressed his intention to recruit Meryl Streep for an upcoming Meryl Streep Knives Out movie, as he considers her a perfect fit for the franchise. The revelation comes as Johnson prepares to pause work on the series before considering the next installment following the third film.
Director Sees Meryl Streep as a Perfect Addition
Since launching the Knives Out series, Rian Johnson has directed three mystery films led by Daniel Craig in the role of private investigator Benoit Blanc. However, as he steps back to explore new projects, Johnson is openly keen on having Streep join his acclaimed ensemble.
Explaining his reasons, Johnson shared with Variety:
“I feel like Meryl Streep would kill it. She was born to be in one of these movies; she’s hilarious.”
— Rian Johnson, Director
While enthusiastic, Johnson admitted the challenge of reaching out, remarking:
“I don’t know her at all”
— Rian Johnson, Director
Support From Previous Cast Members
Kerry Washington, who stars in the upcoming third film
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”
, has voiced support for Streep’s involvement. Having worked with Streep on the 2020 film “The Prom”, Washington said she would encourage Streep to join the next movie. She commented:
“You ask people about what it’s like to be in these movies, and everybody says it’s just a dream, so I would encourage her.”
— Kerry Washington, Actor
Temporary Hiatus to Pursue Other Ideas
Rian Johnson is planning to step away from the Knives Out series momentarily, partly to allow Daniel Craig a much-needed respite from his lead role. Despite the break, Johnson has reiterated his passion for the genre, stating he feels reenergized about the murder mystery format and eager to pursue new creative directions.
He further explained:
“But I had this other idea I’d been cooking for a while, and I thought: ‘Well, I’ve done three of these in a row. I’ll give Daniel a little break from me and go up and do something else’.
— Rian Johnson, Director
Positive Experiences on Recent Set
Glenn Close, who joined the latest Knives Out film, impressed Johnson with her dedication and enthusiasm, which he described in a recent interview. Recounting her attitude on set, Johnson told People:
“When she shows up on set though, she’s not jaded. She’s not like an elder statesman. She is like a little puppy that is so excited to do the work.”
— Rian Johnson, Director
Close’s commitment was evident, as Johnson recalled her remaining on set simply to watch Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor prepare a scene, even after her work for the day was done:
“And she had just stuck around. She could have gone home. She has stuck around to watch because she’s like, ‘I just want to watch these two actors and see how they approached this scene.’ And that’s Glenn Close.”
— Rian Johnson, Director
Looking Ahead for the Knives Out Franchise
With the third movie,
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,”
featuring Kerry Washington, Glenn Close, and Daniel Craig, anticipation continues to build for the franchise’s future. The possibility of Meryl Streep joining a future installment excites both fans and cast members. As Johnson explores new projects, he remains open to bringing in fresh talent like Streep, hinting at new energy and directions for potential Knives Out movies.
