Rian Johnson’sGlass Onion: A Knives Out Mysteryhas already proven a successful follow-up to his surprise hit 2019 murder mysteryKnives Out. But even though audiences love this next entry in the anthology of Daniel Craig’s Detective Benoit Blanc, the director has one particular idea in mind for something he’d like to change, and it has everything to do with the next movie’s title.
Johnson has made no secret that, while he is satisfied withthe success ofGlass Onionas aKnives Outsequel, he was never a fan of being urged to include “AKnives OutMystery” as the subtitle. It makes sense that Netflix would want to do that to create a clear throughline for potential viewers who might not have otherwise realized that the two films are connected. But considering Johnson’s penchant for meticulously ensuring every detail of his movies serves the greater experience, he has a better idea for the next one.
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In a recent appearance onThe Filmcast, Johnson explained how he ultimately wants the young new franchise’s titles to link together. “It kills me a little bit and I want to see how quickly we can lose that subtitle,” he said. “As soon as we can get past those and get to ‘A Benoit Blanc Mystery’ … and I will say, with this one, with the reach of Netflix and just how many more people I feel like have seen it and how much more it feels like it’s actually in the culture, we’re at least getting closer to being able to get away with ‘A Benoit Blanc Mystery’ and people would know what we’re talking about.”
Glass Onionis a movie filled with subtle Easter eggs, so an awkward title such as “AKnives OutMystery” can feel like a disruption. But that’s not to say Johnson is a hardcore opponent of Netflix’s decision. “The thing is, though, I totally get it. It’s not like this was done against my will or something. I completely understand it,” he offered as a disclaimer. “Because after the first movie, I think people knew that they likedKnives Out[but] they didn’t necessarily know it well enough to know who Benoit Blanc was. I think that would’ve gotten blank stares. And I wanted everyone who lovedKnives Outto know that [Glass Onion] is the next one of those. So I absolutely 100% was on board and totally got it that we had to do that.”
The director was still able to remain in charge of all the other details, includingGlass Onion’s real fiery climax. So it’s not like the overt reference toKnives Outhurt the movie. It’s a satisfying, cozy murder mystery with all those extra details fans have come to expect from any Johnson production, and that seems to be what he and the audience were looking for. Johnson’s view is understandable since referencing Benoit Blanc in the title makes more sense than referencing the previous movie. The affable southern detective is the real connection between the two movies and will continue to be so as he solves more cases.
Even so, this decision on the streamer’s part may have contributed toGlass Onion’s success as Netflix’s fifth most-watched movie. But regardless, it would be nice if future entries swapped out that particular title trend in favor of putting Blanc in his rightful place as the main attraction.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mysteryis available to stream on Netflix.
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