At the Toronto International Film Festival last month, excitement surged as the cast and crew of the third installment of the “Knives Out” franchise gathered for a Q&A session. With 12 seats filled on the stage, including producer Ram Bergman and director Rian Johnson, the majority were occupied by an impressive lineup of actors, highlighting the star power that has become a hallmark of the beloved murder-mystery series.
The session commenced with a delightful two-minute introduction by the moderator, leading to insights shared by the star of the film, Daniel Craig. “Putting this many stars into one film is literally the definition of herding cats,” Craig remarked, lightheartedly acknowledging the challenges of coordinating such a talented ensemble. He humorously attributed the seamlessness of this complex task to Bergman, who playfully had Craig rubbing his shoulder.
The latest chapter, titled “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” will hit theaters on November 26, followed by its Netflix release on December 12. Viewers can look forward to star-studded performances, including Glenn Close portraying a devout churchgoer, Jeremy Renner as a town doctor, and Mila Kunis as the local police chief.
Bergman shed light on the logistics required to unite such a stellar cast. He described the process as “like a puzzle,” emphasizing the importance of aligning schedules and availabilities. Reflecting on the production of the first film, he mentioned that Craig was cast just seven weeks prior to filming, and Ana de Armas was secured a week before they began. This last-minute casting strategy appears to be a deliberate choice for the franchise, allowing them to optimize their talent pool.
“Most people want to cast long in advance—we cast short in advance,” Bergman explained. “If you haven’t taken a job, you’re probably not going to take a job now.” This approach allows for flexibility and ensures that the project maintains its dynamic nature, contributing to the excitement that audiences have come to expect from “Knives Out.”
With anticipation building for the new installment, fans of the franchise are eager to see how this unique structure and the exhilarating talent will unfold on screen. As the release dates draw near, the blending of star power and clever storytelling promises an engaging experience for all.