Knives Out sequel moves forward at Lionsgate as the studio teases a potential franchise

Lionsgate wants more murder mystery, confirming on Thursday that there will be a sequel to the hit whodunit Knives Out.

The studio confirmed on an investors conference call on Thursday that a sequel to writer-director Rian Johnson’s thriller is in the works.

Knives Out, along with Lionsgate’s other third quarter movies – Bombshell and Midway – lead to studio revenues rising 30%.

More Knives: Lionsgate wants more murder mystery, confirming on Thursday that there will be a sequel to the hit whodunit Knives Out

Johnson told The Hollywood Reporter at Lionsgate’s pre-Golden Globes party in early January, that he was already working on a Knives Out sequel

The follow-up would center on Daniel Craig’s character, private detective Benoit Blanc, and he wanted to get started next year.

Johnson’s producing partner Ram Bergman added that Craig, ‘had so much fun doing it, and he wants to do more.’

Follow-up: The follow-up would center on Daniel Craig's character, private detective Benoit Blanc, and he wanted to get started next year

Follow-up: The follow-up would center on Daniel Craig’s character, private detective Benoit Blanc, and he wanted to get started next year

Knives Out centered on the death of iconic author Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), who was killed in his massive estate.

Craig’s Benoit Blanc is brought in to investigate the case, with every member of the Thrombey family, who each had something to gain by his death, a possible suspect.

The ensemble cast includes Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ana De Armas, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette and Lakeith Stanfield. 

Blanc: Craig's Benoit Blanc is brought in to investigate the case, with every member of the Thrombey family, who each had something to gain by his death, a possible suspect

Blanc: Craig’s Benoit Blanc is brought in to investigate the case, with every member of the Thrombey family, who each had something to gain by his death, a possible suspect

Ensemble: The ensemble cast includes Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ana De Armas, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette and Lakeith Stanfield

Ensemble: The ensemble cast includes Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ana De Armas, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette and Lakeith Stanfield

The film was a hit with fans and critics alike, one of only two original movies to crack $100 million at the domestic box office, along with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ($141 million domestic).

Knives Out took in $156.3 million domestic and $294.5 million worldwide, from just a $40 million budget.

Johnson is also developing a new Star Wars trilogy for Disney and LucasFilm, but those plans have been slowed down, possibly allowing Johnson the time needed to make a Knives Out sequel.

Big hit: The film was a hit with fans and critics alike, one of only two original movies to crack $100 million at the domestic box office, along with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ($141 million domestic)

Big hit: The film was a hit with fans and critics alike, one of only two original movies to crack $100 million at the domestic box office, along with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ($141 million domestic)

Profitable: Knives Out took in $156.3 million domestic and $294.5 million worldwide, from just a $40 million budget

Profitable: Knives Out took in $156.3 million domestic and $294.5 million worldwide, from just a $40 million budget

Lionsgate also announced on the conference call that John Wick 4 is also getting ready to start production.

The studio also touted its star-studded Chaos Walking, with Daisy Ridley, Tom Holland, Nick Jonas and Cynthia Erivo, with the production expected to be locked by April and a release date announcement coming as early as Friday.

Lionsgate’s 2020 offerings include I Still Believe, a sequel to the faith-based smash I Can Only Imagine in March, Spiral, a reimagined Saw movie starring Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson in May, and The Hitman’s Bodyguard sequel in August. 

Other news: Lionsgate also announced on the conference call that John Wick 4 is also getting ready to start production

Other news: Lionsgate also announced on the conference call that John Wick 4 is also getting ready to start production