When Netflix backed the money truck up for Rian Johnson, there was little doubt he would take advantage of the budget. Immediately, he began assembling another all-star cast for his Knives Out follow-up. The first film earned Johnson an Oscar nomination for Original Screenplay. The film premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 10th. Given the recent responses at Cannes, Venice, and Telluride film festivals, Glass Onion might be Netflix’s strongest contender this year.
Netflix purchased the rights to the next two Benoit Blanc/Knives Out films for a whopping $469 million in 2021. The sequel was underway in the months that followed, making Knives Out an Agatha Christie-inspired franchise that had found its audience. Even in recent weeks, films like See How They Run and Bodies Bodies Bodies have shown the “who-dun-it” is back in a big way.
Johnson returns to the director’s chair and brings Daniel Craig along as Benoit Blanc. The last film’s killer ensemble may actually be improved upon this time out. Look for Glass Onion to showcase Janelle Monáe, Edward Norton, Leslie Odom Jr., Kathryn Hahn, Dave Bautista, Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Kate Hudson, and Ethan Hawke. That’s quite the ensemble, but Johnson seems poised to continue his special directorial run. The director developed his concept for a murder mystery after the reception to Star Wars: The Last Jedi became extremely divisive. Even if you are not a fan (we here at Sunshine State Cineplex are), Johnson has a stunning track record.
Because the first film was so successful in theaters, there might be a push by Netflix to do the same here. It would be nice to see Netflix and the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) work out their issues. Having the ability to see the best Netflix films in theaters will force the streamer to invest more into the quality of their films, instead of simply creating a never-ending pipeline of content. Regardless of how Netflix proceeds, expect Glass Onion to find its way onto Netflix by Christmas.
Below is the trailer, as well as the poster for the film.
