Rian Johnson Wants This Hollywood Legend for His Next Whodunit
With Wake Up Dead Man on the horizon, the Knives Out director is already looking ahead. He has one iconic, Oscar-winning actress in mind for Benoit Blanc's next case, someone he believes was born to be in a murder mystery. Who is his dream casting choice?
Even before Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery hits Netflix, director Rian Johnson is already plotting his next move for detective Benoit Blanc. The latest installment boasts an incredible ensemble, featuring names like Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Thomas Haden Church, and Josh Brolin. But as soon as Daniel Craig’s sleuth hangs up his hat on this case, Johnson has a legendary performer in mind for the next one.
A Prime Suspect
Johnson has publicly named Oscar-winning icon Meryl Streep as his top choice for a future installment. In a conversation with IndieWire, he made a direct appeal, saying, “There are so many great actors I’d like to work with. But, yes, if you’re reading this, Meryl Streep, I feel like you’d slot into a murder mystery very well.” Her recent work proves she’s more than capable of navigating a complex plot, having appeared in three seasons of the popular series Only Murders in the Building.
The prospect of seeing her match wits with Daniel Craig’s southern detective is an exciting one, and let's be honest, her immense talent means she could tackle just about any role thrown her way. The director doubled down on his choice in an interview with Variety. “I feel like Meryl Streep would kill it,” Johnson stated. “She was born to be in one of these movies; she’s hilarious.” It's clear he sees her comedic timing and dramatic range as a perfect fit for it's unique tone.
A Co-Star's Endorsement
The praise for Streep and her work in the genre isn't just coming from the director. Andrew Scott, one of the stars of Wake Up, Dead Man, also spoke highly of Only Murders in the Building and its cast. He noted how both his film and the hit show approach the mystery genre from fresh angles. In an exclusive chat with GamesRadar+, Scott explained, “Only Murders in the Building is a great example, in that you’ve got the two best comedians in the world, and Selena Gomez and Meryl Streep; all these incredible comedic people. I suppose that juxtaposition of those two things is what people are into.”
Where to Watch the Mysteries
Viewers can catch Only Murders in the Building on Disney+ and Hulu now. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is currently in theaters for a limited run before it lands on Netflix for a worldwide audience on December 12. For those looking for more, a guide to other upcoming movies can provide a glimpse into what's heading to the big screen.