Status Overview
As of early 2025, Knives Out 3 remains in active development, with a confirmed screenplay in progress and key talent attached. The project was officially announced after the strong box office and critical reception of the first two films, with Rian Johnson returning to write and direct. Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, and other core cast members have expressed interest in returning, though not all terms are finalized. The production is not yet in principal photography, and no official release date has been set. This overview outlines what has been verified against studio plans, talent statements, and industry reporting.
Confirmed Development Information
Production Timeline and Studio Plans
Following the 2022 release of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, production on a third film moved from early planning into active development by late 2023. Netflix acquired global streaming rights in early 2024, with a planned rollout intended to align with the service’s broader slate of event features. Below is a summary of the verified public milestones for the project.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | February 2023 | Studio press release |
| Screenplay Status | Final draft completed early 2025 | Industry reporting |
| Director | Rian Johnson | Official announcement |
| Lead Cast Options | Negotiations ongoing as of mid-2025 | Trade publication reports |
| Release Window | No public date; target year not confirmed | Studio statement |
Creative Team and Cast
Director and Writing
Rian Johnson continues as writer and director, maintaining creative continuity across the trilogy. He has described the third entry as an opportunity to resolve lingering questions while introducing new mysteries. Johnson has collaborated closely with producer Ram Bergman and the writers’ room to ensure narrative cohesion.
Cast Considerations and Negotiations
Daniel Craig has signaled openness to returning, though scheduling and compensation remain hurdles. Ana de Armas has also expressed interest, while newer additions from Glass Onion may be folded into larger ensemble arrangements. Below is a concise comparison of reported cast interest and current status.
- Daniel Craig: Interested, negotiations ongoing
- Ana de Armas: Interested, terms under discussion
- Janelle Monáe: No public confirmation
- Edward Norton: Studio has expressed desire, no formal offer issued
Narrative Possibilities
Without spoiling unannounced plot points, the third film is expected to deepen the mythology around the Blanc family and the legacy of martini-fueled theatrics. Potential story directions include cross-global investigations, multigenerational intrigue, and sharper satire of tech and old-money dynamics. Johnson has hinted at a more intimate scale compared to the expansive globe-trotting of Glass Onion.
Production and Release Outlook
Preproduction activities, including location scouting and casting finalization, will proceed once principal cast are formally attached. Filming is unlikely to begin before late 2025, suggesting a release window in late 2026 at the earliest. Streaming platform timing may allow for a premium window approach, but no distribution model has been confirmed.
What to Watch For
Moving forward, key signals to monitor include casting announcements, trade publication updates on financing, and any festival or awards season positioning by the studio. Until a formal production start is confirmed, the project should be considered in advanced development rather than active filming. Reliable coverage will increasingly shift from rumor to verified production news as plans solidify.