Rian Johnson pushes for wide theatrical release of Wake Up, Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery despite Netflix’s resistance

Director Rian Johnson is voicing his thoughts on theatrical releases again as the scope of cinema is being limited with a greater focus on streaming-first distribution. As Netflix pushes for their default method of release without marketing, Johnson is requesting far better coverage for his upcoming film 'Wake Up, Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.' This comes after Sirandos's comments at the TIME100 summit, where he branded the traditional cinema setup as “an outdated model” while boasting that Netflix “saves” the industry by solely directing blockbuster movies straight to people’s homes.&quot;Want this in as many theatres as possible&quot;Despite being one of Netflix’s most loyal partners, Johnson was bound to disagree. While promoting Season 2 of his hit Peacock show Poker Face, talking to Business Insider, Johnson reiterated how essential the experience of watching a movie in the theater with others is, which completely counters Sarandos’ claims.I love movies. I love going to see movies. But also, I have a feeling, talking to Ted, it would be a different thing than one quote taken and kind of tossed at me in this context. So, I don’t want to phrase this as I’m having a proxy discussion with Ted right here.Although Johnson did not wish to make his divergence personal, he certainly voiced his stance. Adding further, he said:I want this in as many theateres as long as possible. We’re going to push for everything we can get in terms of theatrical, because I want as many people as possible to see it in that form.Throughout the conversation, he mentioned how perhaps he is walling himself off from his broader interpretation; however, with his words, he insisted that people want to and require watching movies in a theater. To make his point, Johnson recalled recent box office smashes such as A Minecraft Movie and Sinners, adding that audiences still come en masse to watch well-crafted films. He explained:If you put a movie people want to see in the theatres, they are going to show up for it, and that experience of being in a full house and having that experience is so important. It’s something that I love and I want more of in the world.Netflix's reluctance and The Glass Onion episodePart of Johnson's frustrations stem from Netflix's handling of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, which received a limited one-week theatrical release in only 600 theaters before becoming a Netflix exclusive. The film grossed an estimated $15 million during this period, indicating considerable public interest in watching the series in cinemas.Up to this point, Netflix has been conservative regarding extensive theatrical runs for its originals. The only other exception soaring on the horizon is a proposed two-week run for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation in 2026.None other than the Knives Out franchise, Nancy Drew, and The Hardy Boys’ Daniel Craig adds weight to Johnson's appeal, where he reprises his role as detective Benoit Blanc for the new film. Craig voiced his disappointment over the lack of a theatrical moment for the sequels during Variety’s Actors on Actors series, adding:The first one was such a surprise, and it was a fully released film. It made lots of money and things. And, listen, I’m not knocking where it’s gone to and where it is. But it saddens me that there isn’t more of a theatrical moment for these movies. These movies seem to have a cross-generational appeal. And the idea that families go and see that movie just fills me with massive joy. It’s not just a niche movie we’re doing here — it’s for everybody. And the fact is, to have a collective experience in the cinema, blah, blah, blah. I know everybody says this, but it’s the truth.A star-studded castWhile the plot details are being kept strictly under wraps, Johnson and his team are confident the film's broad appeal makes it perfect for theaters. With an ensemble cast comprising Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church, they will join Craig and Josh O’Connor in the third installment of Knives Out.Wake Up, Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is set to release later this year, and it will be interesting to see if Benoit Blanc finally gets his big-screen break.

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