Rian Johnson Wants Knives Out 3 to Have a Wide Theatrical Release

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Rian Johnson Wants Knives Out 3 to Have a Wide Theatrical Release

Rian Johnson has revealed why he wants Knives Out 3 to receive a broader theatrical release than its predecessor. While promoting his Peacock series Poker Face, the director explained his love for the moviegoing experience. He also responded to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos’ recent comments about theaters being an “outdated concept,” offering a different perspective on where films like Wake Up Dead Man belong.

Rian Johnson hopes Knives Out 3 will release ‘in as many theaters’ as possible

Rian Johnson expressed his desire for a wide theatrical release for the upcoming Knives Out installment, Wake Up Dead Man, which is set to debut in fall 2025. “I want this in as many theaters for as long as possible,” Johnson told Business Insider. He also noted that Netflix has been a supportive partner. Further, he stated, “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.”

Johnson made the statement while promoting Season 2 of his Peacock series Poker Face. The comments came in response to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos’ recent declaration at the Time100 Summit, where Sarandos called the theatrical model an “outdated concept.” Sarandos added, “Folks grew up thinking, ‘I want to make movies on a gigantic screen…’ It just doesn’t happen anymore.”

Johnson disagreed, saying, “Obviously, I don’t [agree], because I love movies. I love going to see movies.” He emphasized the importance of the communal experience, referencing the success of films like Sinners and A Minecraft Movie. “If you put a movie people want to see in the theaters, they are going to show up for it,” he explained.

Netflix previously gave Johnson’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery a limited theatrical release, with the movie playing in only about 700 theaters. Despite Sarandos’ stance, Netflix still owns theaters such as the Bay Theater (Los Angeles) and the Paris Theater (New York) and plans an IMAX release for Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Narnia film. “Theatrical is not going anywhere…That experience… is so important. It’s something that I love and I want more of in the world,” Johnson concluded.