While promoting the latest Knives Out adventure, Rian Johnson gave reporters a fresh glimpse of his next film. He told Variety that a new idea fills his mind and drives his creative process. He described the project as a 1970s style paranoid thriller with a light science fiction twist.
What He Said About the Film
Johnson said, “The most exciting thing right now is the idea I have for the next thing I will make. I follow my nose and let the story guide me.” He added that if he had to name a genre, he would point to the tense thrillers of the 1970s. He also mentioned that the story contains a subtle science fiction element that adds intrigue without overwhelming the plot.
Production Timeline
At the interview, Johnson confirmed that he is writing the original script himself. He plans to begin shooting the movie in 2026. This timeline gives him ample time to craft the narrative and assemble the right cast.
Connection to Knives Out and Star Wars
Johnson’s new film arrives as Knives Out 3, titled Wake Up Dead Man, opens in limited theaters before heading to Netflix on December 12, 2025. Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc, and the ensemble features Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.
Fans also recall Johnson’s work on Star Wars: The Last Jedi, a film that sparked strong opinions but still earned $1.3 billion worldwide. After the sequel, Lucasfilm asked Johnson to write a new Star Wars trilogy. Those plans have stalled, yet Johnson admits that a part of his mind will always stay in the Star Wars universe.
He explained, “A part of my brain will always be in Star Wars. It shapes how I think about storytelling.” This sentiment shows that while he moves forward with a fresh science fiction thriller, he still carries the legacy of his previous blockbuster work.
Overall, Johnson’s upcoming project promises to blend the suspense of classic 1970s thrillers with a modern science fiction flavor. Fans of his previous films and new viewers alike should watch for updates as the 2026 production window approaches.
Source: Coming Soon
