Knives Out: The Mystery Franchise That Defies Netflix’s Conventional Release Model
Rian Johnson, the writer and director behind the Knives Out franchise, has become a household name in the world of mystery and thriller films. His work on the franchise, which has garnered widespread acclaim, has also brought him to the attention of streaming giant Netflix. Despite being a Netflix Original, the Knives Out films have defied the conventional release model by also being released in theaters.
The first film, Knives Out, was initially developed with private funding and premiered at film festivals before being picked up by Lionsgate for a wide theatrical release. The film’s success at the box office and its critical acclaim led to the approval of a sequel, and before long, Netflix expressed interest in acquiring the rights to the franchise.
When the sequel, Glass Onion, was released, it was clear that Johnson had no intention of abandoning his tradition of releasing the films in theaters. The brief theatrical run led to incredible success, with the movie earning $312 million at the box office. The film’s success at the box office and its critical acclaim led to the approval of a third film, Wake Up Dead Man.
While a theatrical release has yet to be explicitly confirmed for Wake Up Dead Man, it is highly unlikely that Johnson would be willing to walk back on the idea of releasing the film in theaters. Netflix has established a pattern of appearing in theaters for a short time, and Johnson has been able to have these films debut in theaters twice, so it is likely that the third installment will follow suit.
The decision to release the Knives Out films in theaters is a testament to Johnson’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to giving fans the best possible experience. With the franchise expected to continue with Wake Up Dead Man, fans can expect to see more thrilling mysteries and suspenseful plot twists in the future.
