Published on April 1, 2026
The Knives Out franchise began with promise in 2019, presenting a fresh take on the classic whodunit under the helm of writer-director Rian Johnson. The original film, starring Daniel Craig, offered an entertaining albeit superficial experience that left audiences split between appreciation and critique. Grossing over $300 million globally on a relatively modest budget of $40 million, the film captivated Netflix, which subsequently invested approximately $450 million for two sequels.
However, the follow-up, 2022’s Glass Onion, took a step in the wrong direction, inflating its budget and scope while sacrificing narrative depth. Critics pointed to its smugness as an unfortunate hallmark, showcasing a convoluted plot that seemed to prioritize style over substance with glaring plot holes tucked beneath layers of flashy filmmaking.
Johnson, whose verbal acumen has helped elevate the franchise in the eyes of many fans, has often compared his work to the genre’s best. Yet, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that he has not delivered the intelligent, witty, and complex mysteries he promised. Instead, viewers might find it more rewarding to revisit classic detective stories like Columbo than to engage with his latest effort, Wake Up Dead Man.
The anticipation for Wake Up Dead Man is heavy with the weight of its predecessors, but the disappointment that follows may signal the need for the Knives Out franchise to bow out gracefully. Rather than making inroads into a genre filled with potential, Johnson’s continued missteps could lead audiences to hope that this chapter of cinematic mystery comes to a close.
As the dust settles on this latest installment, it becomes increasingly clear that the franchise may not have the enduring appeal its creator envisioned. Fans and critics alike are left pondering whether a resolution is needed not just for the narrative, but for the series itself. It might be time to put the knives, and perhaps the franchise, to rest.
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