Rian Johnson's Next Movie: A '70s Paranoid Thriller with Light Sci-Fi

Get ready for something new from Rian Johnson! The acclaimed director is taking a break from the Knives Out mysteries to tackle an original project described as a "70s paranoid thriller" with a "light sci-fi element."

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Rian Johnson's Next Project

Rian Johnson's next film won't be another Knives Out mystery; he's crafting an original story.
He describes the new project as a "70s paranoid thriller" with "light sci-fi" elements.
Johnson is excited about the idea, comparing it to following his nose creatively, and hinted at a desire for a strong theatrical release.

Rian Johnson Is Ready to Explore a New Cinematic Universe

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After bringing us three brilliant Benoit Blanc mysteries, Rian Johnson is gearing up for his next big thing, and it's a departure from the whodunnit world. With his latest film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, set to hit screens very soon, Johnson shared with Empire Magazine that his creative compass is pointing in a new direction. He's not done with the Knives Out series forever (thank goodness!), but he feels it's "healthy" to "see other people," creatively speaking, for a bit.

This break signals a refresh for the director, known for his ability to inject fresh life into established genres. Johnson has made it clear that "the most exciting thing right now is this idea I have in my head for the next thing I'm gonna make," emphasizing a desire to "just kind of follow your nose" when it comes to his artistic instincts. This approach has served him well throughout his career, leading to diverse and engaging projects.

Diving Deep into the '70s Paranoid Thriller with a Sci-Fi Twist

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So, what exactly is this "new thing"? Johnson gave us a tantalizing hint, defining it genre-wise as something that "harkens back to the '70s paranoid thrillers. It's got a light sci-fi element to it." If you're a film buff, you know the '70s were a golden age for thrillers that explored themes of government conspiracies, surveillance, and psychological unease, often leaving audiences questioning everything they thought they knew. Think films like Three Days of the Condor or The Parallax View – Movies that masterfully built tension and distrust.

Adding a "light sci-fi element" to this already compelling genre is where Johnson's unique touch comes in. He's no stranger to blending genres; his earlier work on the critically acclaimed time-travel thriller Looper perfectly showcased his knack for smart, character-driven sci-fi that doesn't shy away from complex ideas. This new project could offer a fresh take on modern anxieties, filtering them through a retro-thriller lens with just a dash of speculative fiction to heighten the stakes.

Johnson's History with Light Sci-Fi Elements

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While "light sci-fi" might sound vague, Rian Johnson has already given us a taste of what that means in his recent work. Fans of his hit Peacock show, Poker Face, will recall Natasha Lyonne's character, Charlie Cale, possesses an uncanny ability to tell when someone is lying. Johnson himself confirmed to io9 that Charlie's unique talent is indeed a "superhuman" and "light sci-fi" element, even though it's presented in a very grounded, almost plausible way. "It's definitely superhuman in that it's beyond reality in terms of what humans can do," he explained. "But it's also something that's weirdly plausible."

This precedent from Poker Face gives us a clearer picture of how Johnson might weave subtle, yet impactful, sci-fi concepts into a '70s-style thriller. It's less about spaceships and laser guns (though he's done that too, famously!) and more about exploring how a single, extraordinary element can twist reality and amplify the paranoia within a human story. Imagine a world where a slightly advanced technology or a unique human capability shifts the balance of power or unravels a conspiracy in unexpected ways.

Speaking of his past, let's not forget his work on Star Wars: The Last Jedi. While Star Wars is often referred to as "science fantasy" or "space opera" rather than hard sci-fi, it undoubtedly contains significant sci-fi elements. Johnson directed the second film in the sequel trilogy, a project that was both "wonderful yet controversial." He also has a standing invitation (and a personal desire) to return to that galaxy far, far away someday, if the stars align. This shows his comfort and capability within the broader sci-fi landscape.

Rian Johnson on his next film and Star Wars:

"The most exciting thing right now is this idea I have in my head for the next thing I'm gonna make, and I think ultimately, that's all you can do, is just kind of follow your nose. If I had to define it genre-wise, I'd say it harkens back to the '70s paranoid thrillers. It's got a light sci-fi element to it."

"That cog [Star Wars] will be turning the rest of my life. I love Star Wars. And if some day it makes sense to come back to it, for both of us, it would be the most wonderful thing in the world."

— Rian Johnson, as told to Empire Magazine

Netflix or the Big Screen? The Future of Johnson's Next Original

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One of the big questions surrounding Johnson's new original project is where it will land. His deal with Netflix for two Knives Out sequels, reportedly worth a whopping $400 million, concludes with Wake Up Dead Man. He's been very complimentary about his partnership with Netflix, acknowledging that being with the streamer has "absolutely just put [Knives Out] culturally in a place that I never thought it would get to, which is very, very cool."

However, Johnson has also expressed a deep commitment to the theatrical experience. He told Empire that "the theatrical experience is very, very important to me. It's something I really believe in, and I feel like the reports of its death are greatly exaggerated." He cited films like Sinners as examples of original stories that have successfully connected with audiences on the big screen, proving that people still want to go out to the theater. This suggests he might be looking for a theatrical release for his new Sci-fi Thriller, or at least a significant one, mirroring the hybrid release strategy for Wake Up Dead Man.

His previous film, Glass Onion, had a limited theatrical release before hitting Netflix, and Wake Up Dead Man is following a similar path. This balancing act shows Johnson's appreciation for both the broad reach of streaming and the unique magic of the cinema. For his next original, the door seems open to either a new deal with Netflix, a traditional studio, or perhaps even an extended theatrical run before a streaming debut.

What to Expect from Rian Johnson's Post-Knives Out Era

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Fans who've followed Johnson's career know he's a filmmaker who thrives on creative challenges and isn't afraid to push boundaries. From the neo-noir high school mystery of Brick to the intricate time-travel narrative of Looper, and the expansive galaxy of The Last Jedi, his filmography is marked by originality and a distinct voice. Stepping away from the Knives Out franchise, even temporarily, allows him to "empty the well and then start from scratch," ensuring his next endeavor is fresh and invigorating.

The described blend of "70s paranoid thriller" and "light sci-fi" sounds like quintessential Rian Johnson: a smart, genre-savvy premise that promises intricate plotting, compelling characters, and perhaps a subtle societal commentary. Whatever form it takes, and wherever it's released, his new original film is highly anticipated, offering a chance to see one of today's most imaginative directors explore uncharted cinematic territory once again.

Catch Up on Rian Johnson's Latest Before the Next Big Thing

Before Johnson dives headfirst into his new sci-fi thriller, make sure you catch his latest Benoit Blanc adventure. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, which he describes as his most traditional Agatha Christie-style mystery yet, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews. Daniel Craig returns as the eccentric detective, joined by a stellar cast that includes Josh O'Connor, who plays a priest and Blanc's sidekick in this darker, more gothic tale.

The film, set in a remote stone church with religious intrigue and Edgar Allan Poe vibes, opens in select theaters on November 26 before making its highly anticipated Netflix debut on December 12. Critics are already calling it the "best installment in the franchise yet," promising huge viewership figures for Netflix. So, get ready to solve another puzzle with Benoit Blanc while we eagerly await more details on Johnson's exciting new original project!

Frequently Asked Questions About Rian Johnson's Upcoming Projects When is Rian Johnson's new movie Wake Up Dead Man coming out? Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will be released in select theaters on November 26 and will stream on Netflix starting December 12. What genre will Rian Johnson's next original film be? Johnson describes his next film as a "70s paranoid thriller" with a "light sci-fi element." Will Rian Johnson return to direct more Knives Out movies? Yes, Johnson has expressed enthusiasm for returning to the Knives Out series in the future, stating he'd be thrilled to keep making them as long as Daniel Craig and audiences are interested. However, his immediate next project is an original story. Could Rian Johnson return to the Star Wars universe? Johnson loves Star Wars and has stated that he would love to return to the franchise "if some day it makes sense to come back to it, for both of us." So, the door isn't closed! Sources