Lionsgate has released the firstKnives Outtrailer for writer/directorRian Johnson’s upcoming murder mystery. The film is a family-centric whodunit based on an original idea by Johnson, who first broke out with the unique 2005 noirBrickand continued making a name for himself with smart, character-centric features likeThe Brothers BloomandLooperwhile also helming iconic episodes ofBreaking Badlike “Ozymandius.” Most recently, Johnson wrote and directed the somewhat divisive sequelStar Wars: The Last Jedi,and in the wake of that space epic he wrote a smaller scale, old fashioned murder mystery movie.
While exact plot details forKnives Outare under wraps, the film is said to be in the vein of classics of the genre likeGosford Parkand boasts an A-list ensemble that includesDaniel Craig,Chris Evans,Ana de Armas,Jamie Lee Curtis,Toni Collette,Don Johnson,Michael Shannon,Katherine Langford,Lakeith Stanfield,Jaeden Martell, andChristopher Plummer.
This trailer is excellent, and we see here that Plummer is indeed playing the victim. Rian Johnson describes the movie as a modern day American whodunnit, and it’s a joy to see the familial interplay here—specifically Chris Evans profanely dragging his family one-by-one. I’m curious to see how much the current American political landscape plays into things, or if this is simply a straightforward murder mystery. Regardless, this remains my most anticipated movie of the year and this trailer only makes the wait feel that much longer.
Check out theKnives Outtrailer below. The film hits theaters on July 26, 2025.
Here’s the official synopsis forKnives Out:
Acclaimed writer and director Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, The Last Jedi) pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie in KNIVES OUT, a fun, modern-day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect. When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan’s dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan’s untimely death. With an all-star ensemble cast including Chris Evans, Ana De Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford and Jaeden Martell, KNIVES OUT is a witty and stylish whodunit guaranteed to keep audiences guessing until the very end.
