Knives Out 3: Will the sequel be released in theatres or streaming? (2024)

Daniel Craig, the star of Knives Out and its sequel Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, has publicly expressed his discontent over the limited theatrical release of the second film in the franchise.

Despite the first Knives Out becoming a major box office hit, Glass Onion was only released in fewer than 700 theaters for a single week before it debuted on Netflix.

The sequel earned between $13-15 million during this short window, a figure that could have been far higher with a wider release, as per a report by Screenrant.

In a candid interview with The New Yorker, Craig elaborated on his feelings regarding the streaming giant’s distribution model, calling it “sad” that a film like Glass Onion couldn’t be given the opportunity to reach a larger audience in theaters.

Craig stated, “It saddens me, especially with movies like Knives Out. It did all the things it should have done, and people went to see it. So, of course, it saddens me that people won’t have that experience”, as quoted in a report by Screenrant.

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While he stopped short of expressing anger, the actor made it clear that the current situation was disappointing.

The Future of Knives Out 3 and Netflix’s Theatrical Plans

As the third installment of the Knives Out franchise, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, nears its production and release phase, Craig remains uncertain about the film’s theatrical strategy.

Netflix’s track record with releasing its original content primarily through streaming platforms, often with minimal theatrical engagement, has been a point of contention.

The star revealed that he had a heated discussion with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos over the release of Glass Onion, even going as far as to criticize Netflix’s streaming-first approach, saying that the model was “f***ed.”

Craig’s frustrations reflect a larger concern about the potential financial losses Netflix faces by prioritizing exclusivity over theatrical exposure.

Despite his strong views, Craig remains unsure about the plan for the third movie, leaving fans to wonder whether the sequel will follow in the footsteps of Glass Onion with a limited theater release.

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Netflix's Theatrical Model and Its Impact on Film Success

The growing divide between Netflix’s streaming-first model and traditional theatrical releases has become a prominent issue in the entertainment industry. As Netflix remains committed to its exclusive streaming strategy, it is losing out on significant opportunities in the theatrical market.

A recent example is Warner Bros.’ winning bid for the distribution rights to Wuthering Heights, a project reportedly offered at half the price Netflix was willing to pay, but which ultimately chose a theatrical route. Similarly, Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia movie is reportedly seeking a widespread IMAX release before transitioning to Netflix, further highlighting the ongoing trend of filmmakers pushing for broader theatrical exposure.

Had Glass Onion been given a more extended theater run, it likely would have grossed a substantial amount of money. This decision, however, was in line with Netflix’s practice of restricting its films to streaming, foregoing the financial benefits that come with a more traditional theatrical release.

The same could happen to Wake Up Dead Man, with Netflix once again limiting its box office potential by sticking to its streaming model.

FAQs

Is Knives Out funny or scary?
The plot is engaging, the actors deliver strong performances, and the film is mostly family-friendly. However, it frequently uses strong language and features two scenes that could be frightening or shocking for younger viewers.

Are Knives Out 1 and 2 connected?
Johnson emphasized that Glass Onion was not a direct continuation of its predecessor but rather a standalone film with a new story and cast, akin to the style of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot novel series.