Rian Johnson invites Meryl Streep to join 'Knives Out' Universe, believes actress would fit perfectly into a murder mystery

Rian Johnson, the creative mind behind the Benoit Blanc and Knives Out series, has revealed a seasoned actress he is eager to collaborate with, despite having no so-called white whale in his cinematic universe. Speaking with IndieWire, the Academy Award-nominated director said, There are so many talented actors Id love to work with. But, yes, if youre reading this, Meryl Streep, I feel like youd fit perfectly into a murder mystery.

When asked about Streeps appearance on the 50th season of Saturday Night Live, Johnson added, If Lorne [Michaels] can do it, then, goddamn, so can we.

Streeps extensive filmography is widely celebrated, and she has already ventured into comedic murder mysteries with Hulus Only Murders in the Building, which concluded its fifth season last month. She is also set to reprise her iconic role as Miranda Priestly in the 2026 sequel to The Devil Wears Prada.

Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for working on the Knives Out films, which began with the hit 2019 release starring Ana de Armas. I love working with actors so much. There are so many I havent collaborated with yet, and one of the joys of making these films is experiencing new talent alongside these incredible ensembles. At the same time, getting to know actors through these movies allows me to envision them in future original projects.

The upcoming third installment, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, boasts a star-studded cast including Josh Brolin, Josh OConnor, Kerry Washington, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, Andrew Scott, Glenn Close, and Thomas Haden Church. In this chapter, detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) investigates the murder of a tyrannical monsignor (Brolin) in an upstate New York town. The film combines Gothic elements with dark satire and premiered in select theaters ahead of Thanksgiving, before its Netflix release on December 12. Early box office figures surpass $4 million, with positive acclaim from both critics and audiences.

Rian Johnson's Desire to Collaborate with Meryl Streep: A Potential Perfect Fit for Murder Mysteries

Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director behind the popular Benoit Blanc and Knives Out series, recently revealed his enthusiasm for working with the legendary Meryl Streep. In an interview with IndieWire, Johnson expressed his admiration for Streep, noting that she would be an ideal addition to a murder mystery project. Despite his successful track record, Johnson has no specific "white whale" actor in mind, but Streep's versatile acting talent makes her a prime candidate for future collaborations. Johnson remarked, "There are so many talented actors I’d love to work with," and emphasized that Streep, in particular, would fit perfectly within the genre of murder mysteries.

This comment follows Streep's recent appearance on the 50th season of Saturday Night Live, which Johnson referenced, saying, "If Lorne [Michaels] can do it, then, goddamn, so can we." This playful remark highlights Johnson's confidence in bringing Streep into one of his signature whodunit films.

Streep’s career, known for its depth and variety, includes her role in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, where she delves into comedic murder mysteries. Her presence in this genre, combined with her reputation for outstanding performances, makes her an exciting prospect for future collaborations with Johnson.

Johnson also shared his passion for working with new talent, explaining that the success of the Knives Out films is rooted in the opportunity to explore new actors in each installment. He noted that casting such a wide array of talent not only enriches his films but also opens doors for future collaborations with the actors involved. The forthcoming third installment, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, will feature an all-star ensemble including Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, and Mila Kunis, further solidifying the series' reputation for impressive casting.

As Johnson continues to build his Knives Out universe, the idea of bringing Meryl Streep into the fold seems like a natural next step. The director's ability to attract such a diverse range of acting talent only adds to the growing anticipation for his future projects.

Sources:

• Rian Johnson Petitions Meryl Streep To Join ‘Knives Out’ Universe, Says Actress Would “Slot Into A Murder Mystery Very Well”