Will Knives Out Continue Without Daniel Craig?

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 27, 2025

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The Success of Knives Out: A Craig-Fueled Phenomenon?

The original Knives Out (2019) was a critical and commercial triumph. It earned rave reviews, boasting a 97% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and grossed over $311 million worldwide against a relatively modest budget. This success wasn't solely due to the clever whodunit plot; Daniel Craig's performance as Benoit Blanc was integral. His unique take on the classic detective archetype – a blend of Southern charm, sharp wit, and eccentric brilliance – resonated deeply with audiences.

• Box Office: $311 million worldwide.
• Critical Acclaim: 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, numerous award nominations.
• Audience Reception: Overwhelmingly positive, generating significant social media buzz and meme culture.
• Craig's Impact: Reviews frequently praised Craig's performance as a highlight, noting his ability to bring both humor and gravitas to the role.

Knives Out 2 and Beyond: A New Era Without Craig?

The release of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) answered some crucial questions. This sequel, while still featuring Benoit Blanc, marked a significant departure; it was a standalone mystery with a completely new cast and setting. Remarkably, Glass Onion also achieved considerable success. While it didn't quite match the original's box office numbers, its Netflix release ensured a wide audience and generated considerable positive buzz. The film achieved a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, demonstrating that the franchise's appeal extends beyond its initial star.

• Box Office Comparison: While Glass Onion's Netflix numbers are harder to quantify directly against Knives Out's theatrical release, critical and audience response suggests a similar level of success.
• Critical Reception: Highly positive, indicating the franchise's strength lies in its core elements.
• Audience Reaction: Positive response to the new cast and setting suggests a willingness to embrace the changes.
• Benoit Blanc's Standalone Success: The character's enduring appeal demonstrates his strength as an independent entity.

The Future of Benoit Blanc and the Franchise:

The success of Glass Onion strongly suggests a bright future for the Knives Out franchise, irrespective of Daniel Craig's continued involvement. Netflix has already greenlit a third film, cementing the series' longevity. While a new actor stepping into the role of Blanc is highly unlikely given the character's success under Craig's interpretation, the franchise can easily continue with new cases and new casts for Benoit Blanc to investigate.

• Potential Storylines: The open-ended nature of the Knives Out universe allows for countless new mysteries and settings.
• Future Casting (Speculation): While a replacement for Craig seems improbable, the focus will likely remain on the strong mysteries themselves.
• Franchise Strength: The franchise’s success hinges on the creative writing, innovative mysteries, and the compelling ensemble cast in each film, not solely on a single actor.

The Importance of Strong Writing and Ensemble Casts:

The enduring appeal of Knives Out isn’t just about its lead; it's about the synergistic brilliance of Rian Johnson's writing, the sharp and witty dialogue, and the uniformly excellent ensemble casts. Each film boasts a fantastic cast of characters, each adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the central mystery. Supporting actors are given substantial roles and opportunities to shine, contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment.

• Strong Supporting Characters: Characters like Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas) and the Thrombey family members in the first film are memorable and crucial to the narrative.
• Rian Johnson's Vision: His direction and writing provide the foundation for the franchise's success.
• Mystery Genre Dynamics: The mystery genre, at its heart, thrives on compelling narratives and intricate plots, rather than relying solely on the charisma of one lead actor.

Conclusion:

While Daniel Craig's performance as Benoit Blanc undeniably boosted the initial Knives Out's success, the franchise's resilience is evident. Glass Onion proves the strength of its core elements: the sharp writing, the engaging mysteries, and the outstanding ensemble casts. The series’ future looks promising.

Call to Action: The future of Knives Out is bright. Will you be watching the next installment? Share your thoughts on the franchise's ability to thrive without Daniel Craig in the comments below! Let's discuss the future of Knives Out and Benoit Blanc!