Rian Johnson has been shaping one of the most intriguing mystery realms of cinema in recent years, blending suspense and star-studded ensembles in ways few filmmakers can. As audiences eagerly await the Netflix debut of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Johnson is already looking ahead in the franchise, though without anything set in stone. Known for his knack for weaving intricate plots with charismatic performances, the director recently revealed he knows one thing for sure about the future of his universe: He would love to see Meryl Streep in it.

Johnson’s invitation to Streep suggests a tantalizing possibility. Her presence could elevate the saga’s conundrums to unprecedented heights, merging new star power with the same clever storytelling.

With Wake Up Dead Man now playing in theaters, anticipation is high for its Netflix debut on December 12. To promote the third installment of his acclaimed series, Rian Johnson has been on a press tour of late, sharing insights with various media outlets. Speaking to IndieWire for the same reason, the director revealed that while he has worked with many great actors, Meryl Streep is one he particularly hopes to bring into the Knives Out universe, saying he feels she would “slot into a murder mystery very well.”

Meryl Streep, notably, already has experience in the murder-mystery genre, thanks to her role in the Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin starrer Only Murders in the Building, which concluded its fifth season last month. Next, she is set to reprise her iconic role as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada 2. Amid her busy career, it will be interesting to see if Streep accepts Rian Johnson’s invitation via IndieWire, with no new film in the universe confirmed so far.

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Following the success of the first Knives Out film in 2019, Netflix acquired the rights to the IP with a deal for two more movies. Now that the third film is complete, questions about the franchise continue to intrigue.

Rian Johnson has no plans to end the Knives Out franchise, despite his two-picture Netflix deal concluding with Wake Up Dead Man. Speaking at the BFI London Film Festival in October, per Variety, he said he feels energized rather than burnt out and would be thrilled to keep making the films for the rest of his life. Johnson said that as long as audiences want more, and he and franchise lead Daniel Craig continue to enjoy it, they can keep delivering fresh mysteries. Adding to that, Johnson only this month told The Hollywood Reporter that he and Craig are starting to formulate what could be the next one, if they proceed.

Clearly, as Wake Up Dead Man prepares to reach Netflix audiences, the excitement around the Knives Out universe shows no signs of slowing. Rian Johnson’s world of twists appears set to keep growing, embracing the familiar hard-hitting storytelling, memorable performances, and the exciting possibility of Meryl Streep stepping into the mix. With both Johnson and Daniel Craig eager to explore new mysteries, viewers can rest assured that this world of twists and intrigue is far from finished. The next chapter is anyone’s guess, but anticipation is already building.

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Would you like to see Meryl Streep in a Knives Out film? Let us know in the comments.