In an era where murder mysteries have only been confined to a modest budget, Rian Johnson’s Knives Out has done something extraordinary. A whodunit franchise that only started with a $40 million budget has now evolved into a high-stakes project.
The success of these movies on both the critical and commercial front has set a new precedent for murder mysteries. The ensemble cast, intricate plots, and a charismatic Daniel Craig in the lead have garnered a massive following for the films. Now, the expectations for the third installment are sky-high, especially with the announcement of its colossal budget.
Knives Out 3: A $210 Million Murder Mystery
The third movie in the series is titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and is set to break all records in the murder mystery genre. Fans were taken by surprise when a notable X handle stated that the film’s budget could amass to a total of $210 million.
To put this into perspective, the number is five times more than the first film, and it directly puts it in the 52nd position in the list of the most expensive movies ever made, unadjusted for inflation. The increase in budget reflects the evolution of a franchise that reportedly managed to strike a deal of $450 million for the first two installments.
Rian Johnson has redefined murder mystery for contemporary audiences, which led to such massive investments for a genre that is known for its low-budget productions. Johnson has blended classic whodunit elements with modern storytelling techniques and a star-studded cast which has gone a long way for the franchise.
Knives Out 3’s High Budget Breakdown
The first film grossed $311 million globally and the second continued its trend of success. So even though $210 million seems like a huge amount, the series’ trajectory seemingly indicates a goldmine of profits.
A significant portion of the budget will undoubtedly go towards its star cast, as Daniel Craig will return with his portrayal of Benoit Blanc, an enigmatic detective who has quickly become iconic in the genre. Fans eagerly anticipate his return because his distinctive accent and sharp intellect are the highlight of these movies.
Along with Craig, several diverse and talented actors will be seen in the film. These choices reflect Johnson’s commitment to assembling some of the most brilliant artists to create unique interactions that became the hallmark of Knives Out films.
The $210 million budget for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is not just a financial milestone but a new benchmark for the niche genre. Traditionally, whodunits have only thrived on tight budgets and clever storytelling rather than extravagant production value. However, Rian Johnson’s approach opens up a whole new box of possibilities for the genre.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is set to release in 2025.
