Rian Johnson discusses Poker Face finale, Knives Out sequel, Star Wars impact, and new standalone project
The finale of Poker Face ended with a high-stakes cliffhanger, as Natasha Lyonne's character, Charlie Cale, seemingly plunged off a cliff in her iconic Plymouth Barracuda. A last-minute twist revealed her escape—though the fate of antagonist 'The Iguana' remains ambiguous. While Peacock has yet to confirm a third season, Johnson expressed enthusiasm for continuing, noting that his storytelling approach remains instinctive rather than tightly plotted in advance.
'As long as the right pieces fall into place, I'd love to keep doing the show,' Johnson said, while admitting the creative and logistical demands of episodic TV have grown more complex.
The conversation also turned to Johnson's next major project: Wake Up Dead Man, the third installment in the Knives Out series. Scheduled for a December release, the new film will lean into gothic, grounded mystery—echoing the tone of Knives Out more than the vibrant satire of Glass Onion.
Johnson also reflected on the backlash surrounding Star Wars: The Last Jedi, maintaining that his creative decisions aimed to honor the spirit of the saga while taking characters to new places. He dismissed online vitriol as part of fandom culture and reaffirmed his love for the experience.
Currently, Johnson is developing a stand-alone film outside the mystery genre. 'It's not about being tired of murder mysteries,' he explained. 'It's about following what excites me next.'
With his slate full and creative curiosity intact, Johnson shows no signs of slowing down.
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