The first trailer for Rian Johnson’s Knives Out is now available online. Before the director returns to the galaxy far, far away to oversee a new Star Wars trilogy he’s developing, Johnson returns to his filmmaking roots with a fresh spin on the classic whodunit genre. The murder-mystery movie quickly came together late last year, and immediately attracted one of the most star-studded ensembles in recent memory. With a cast headlined by Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Christopher Plummer, and more, Knives Out is easily one of the most intriguing non-franchise offerings of 2019.
Back in April, CinemaCon attendees got a taste of what Johnson and company have in store, teasing viewers with a sizzle reel that spotlighted the thriller and comedy elements. But since Knives Out isn’t due in theaters until November, Lionsgate wasn’t in any hurry to kick off the official marketing campaign… until now, that is. At long last, the general public can finally get their first look at Knives Out.
Today, the studio released the first official Knives Out trailer. Watch it for yourself in the space below:
Speaking with EW, Johnson provided additional details about the story. Plummer, whose character is the murder victim, plays Harlan Thrombey – a famous author who dies during his 85th birthday party. According to Johnson, Harlan has a “massive empire” to his name and his extended family “to one degree or another live based on his success.” It sounds as if wealth is the primary motivation behind the crime, and Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc most likely suspects one of the other Thrombeys was behind it. That’s why he doesn’t want anyone to leave until the investigation is completed. Obviously, the trailer isn’t going to solve the case, but it’s interesting that Johnson said Ana de Armas has a “very central role” as Harlan’s nurse. With Johnson at the helm, nothing is going to be too routine, and it’ll be interesting to see how the story plays out.
One entertaining aspect about Knives Out is the chance to see two Hollywood franchise staples – Craig and Evans – play against type and showcase their range. The former, known best for his brooding, grounded take on James Bond, gets to put on a Southern accent and have a bit of fun in a different type of role. Evans, who for years was the old-fashioned and noble Steve Rogers in the MCU, completely sheds the Captain America persona to play Ransom, Harlan’s smug, foul-mouthed grandson. Evans seems to be having the time of his life with this part. Hopefully Craig and Evans are among the many standouts when Knives Out opens later this year.
Key Release Dates
Knives Out
Release Date:2019-11-27
