UPDATE: Director Rian Johnson has just revealed his desire to cast Meryl Streep in a potential Knives Out 4, following the release of his latest film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, now streaming on Netflix. This announcement has sent shockwaves through the film community, igniting excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
Wake Up Dead Man, which debuted on November 26, 2025, features Daniel Craig reprising his role as the beloved detective Benoit Blanc, along with a star-studded ensemble including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, and Jeremy Renner. Despite some reports of diminishing returns for the franchise, Johnson remains committed to exploring new stories within this hit series.
In an exclusive interview with IndieWire, Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for Streep’s potential involvement, stating, “If you’re reading this, Meryl Streep, I feel like you’d slot into a murder mystery very well.” This bold statement has fans speculating about the possibilities of Streep joining the franchise, known for its clever plots and captivating performances.
Johnson emphasized the rigorous casting process for his films, acknowledging the challenge of coordinating with busy movie stars. “The reality is it’s a casting process, and you’re going after movie stars who have busy schedules,” he explained. However, one thing is certain: Daniel Craig is a nonnegotiable presence in the series. Johnson stated, “For me, personally, these movies are working with Daniel. It’s a partnership.”
Interestingly, Johnson clarified that his current contract with Netflix only covers two films, meaning that after Glass Onion and Wake Up Dead Man, there are no guaranteed sequels. Fans are left wondering what this means for the future of the franchise.
As the Knives Out series continues to captivate audiences, Johnson hinted at the broad spectrum available within the whodunnit genre, suggesting that fans can expect more unique narratives moving forward. “If you’re a fan of the whodunnit genre, you’re aware of how broad a spectrum the mystery movie can be,” Johnson stated.
With the release of Wake Up Dead Man now available for streaming, viewers are eager to see where the franchise will head next. As for Streep’s potential involvement, only time will tell if this dream casting will become a reality.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as fans await news about Knives Out 4 and the possibility of Meryl Streep joining the star-studded cast.
