Rian Johnson Plans '70s-Inspired Sci-Fi Thriller 'Wake Up Dead Man'

Rian Johnson, known for his work on the Knives Out series and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, is shifting gears from mystery films to a new project inspired by 1970s paranoid thrillers with a light sci-fi element. This marks a departure from the murder-mystery genre that defined his recent work, including the upcoming Knives Out installment, Wake Up Dead Man. Johnson expressed enthusiasm for this new idea, emphasizing that it will be a distinct genre experience while still rooted in his interest in sci-fi. Although he remains open to returning to Star Wars if the opportunity arises, his current focus is on creating something fresh that honors the theatrical experience, which he believes is far from dead. He also highlighted his positive partnership with Netflix for the Knives Out films but underscored his commitment to the unique impact of cinema in theaters. Overall, Johnson is following his creative instincts toward a project that blends suspense and speculative fiction in a way that resonates with his past work yet ventures into new territory.