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Daniel Craig pushes for extended theatrical run for ‘Knives Out 3’
A franchise deserving the big screen
Daniel Craig firmly believes that the “Knives Out” franchise, with its thrilling mysteries and sharp wit, belongs on the big screen. The upcoming installment, titled “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”, is no exception. Craig hopes Netflix will go beyond a mere one-week theater release, as was the case with 2022’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”.
Advocating for a cinematic experience
During an interview, Craig expressed his desire for a more substantial theatrical rollout. “You know I do,” he mentioned when asked if “Wake Up Dead Man” should have a longer run in theaters. “Hopefully, Netflix will push it out a bit, and people will get to see it. The people I speak to — the fans, I suppose — all they want to do is take their families and go see it at the cinemas,” Craig added.
This perspective highlights a significant point about audience preferences and the enduring appeal of watching films in theaters. Despite the convenience of streaming services, many fans still cherish the collective, immersive experience of a theater.
The success of the original film
The first “Knives Out” film, released by Lionsgate in 2019, was a resounding success. With a worldwide box office gross of $312 million, it became a holiday season favorite and earned writer-director Rian Johnson an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Following this success, Netflix struck a deal with Rian Johnson to create two sequels. However, the distribution approach for the first sequel, “Glass Onion”—which played in theaters for just one week—left many fans and industry experts questioning the strategy.
Strategic release partnerships
For “Glass Onion,” Netflix collaborated with major theater chains like AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, and Cinemark. The film’s release in 600 theaters marked the widest distribution Netflix has ever attempted. This move was particularly noteworthy because it was the first time Netflix films were shown in AMC and Regal locations, overcoming previous resistance from these exhibitors who prioritized traditional theatrical windows.
Despite this limited release, “Glass Onion” set a precedent. However, it remains the only instance where Netflix pursued such an extensive theatrical run. Whether the same effort will be applied to “Wake Up Dead Man” is still uncertain.
The upcoming mystery
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” directed and written once again by Rian Johnson, promises to bring back Daniel Craig in his iconic role as detective Benoit Blanc. The film boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.
While plot details remain tightly guarded, the anticipation for this third installment continues to build. Scheduled for a 2025 release on Netflix, fans are eager to see if the film will also grace the big screen for an extended period.
Industry trends and audience preferences
The debate over theatrical release versus streaming premieres is an ongoing conversation in the film industry. Streaming platforms offer unparalleled convenience and accessibility, yet many filmmakers and actors, including Daniel Craig, advocate for the unparalleled experience that only a cinema can provide.
The “Knives Out” series, with its intricate plots and star-studded casts, may benefit significantly from a longer theatrical engagement. This approach not only honors the filmmakers’ efforts but also meets the audience’s desire for a traditional cinema-going experience.
Final thoughts
As streaming giants like Netflix continue to shape the landscape of film distribution, balancing between digital and cinematic releases remains a complex challenge. Daniel Craig’s advocacy for a longer theatrical run for “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” underscores the importance of considering audience preferences and the enduring magic of cinemas.
Stay tuned for more updates on the release strategy for this highly anticipated film. Fans of the “Knives Out” franchise and movie enthusiasts alike will be keen to see how Netflix navigates this next chapter. For those eager to follow this story and other film-related news, be sure to share this content and keep an eye out for future updates.
