Jamie Lee Curtis Just Playfully Pitched a Quarantine-Centric ‘Knives Out’ Sequel
Rian Johnson’s Knives Out was easily one of 2019’s biggest surprises. As Johnson’s follow-up to Star Wars: The Last Jedi, fans were curious about what his murder mystery would look like. But no one expected it to become such a critical and fan favorite.
During its theatrical run, Knives Out earned more than $300 million worldwide. Moreover, Johnson received his first Academy Award nomination for his screenplay. And Lionsgate is actively developing a sequel following Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc on another mystery.
However, fans aren’t expecting the Knives Out sequel to so closely reflect recent events. With the coronavirus pandemic dominating the news, Jamie Lee Curtis took to social media to voice her tongue-in-cheek support for a Knives Out follow-up that leans into the current medical crisis.
Jamie Lee Curtis starred in Rian Johnson’s ‘Knives Out’
In the first film, Curtis plays Linda Drysdale, the eldest daughter of acclaimed author Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). When Harlan is found dead, Linda becomes one of many suspects behind the crime. And on-screen, Curtis taps into a delightfully dry wit.
But she’s far from the only standout player in Knives Out‘s stunning ensemble. For his ode to Agatha Christie mysteries, Johnson unites Curtis, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, Don Johnson, Chris Evans, Lakeith Stanfield, and Ana de Armas. It’s a (potential) murderer’s row of talent.
Yet, none of these stars — no, not even Evans — are expected to return for the sequel. The untitled Knives Out 2 will, as mentioned, follow Benoit Blanc on to a completely new case. But we can’t help but read Curtis’ latest post as a bid to be included in Johnson’s burgeoning franchise.
The actress just shared a playful poster for a ‘Knives Out’ sequel
With headlines revolving around the need to self-quarantine, Curtis couldn’t resist the chance to share a timely twist on her most recent movie. On her Twitter account, she shared a parody image featuring her Knives Out character wearing a surgical face mask, presumably to guard against infection.
Based on Curtis’ character poster for Knives Out, this image seemingly promotes a film called Masks On. Considering the tagline says the fictional project comes “from the makers of Knives Out,” this could be a fun, quarantine-set sequel or spin-off following the Thrombey family’s self-isolation.
Given the level of dysfunction apparent in the dynamic, fans would probably love the chance to see the characters reunite under such a dramatically different set of circumstances. Although Curtis is just having a bit of fun, some fans are into the idea of finding out how the Thrombeys survive being trapped together. After all, it could lead to another murder.
Lots of celebrities are encouraging citizens to embrace self-isolation
Of course, there’s another purpose behind Curtis’ post. While the Masks On poster makes for a fun bit of fan-made parody art, it also promotes taking the necessary safety precautions. That sentiment is running rampant among celebrities these days, with many encouraging self-isolation — and now wearing a face mask — to help “flatten the curve” of the infection.
Other stars are even going devoting more time to their social media accounts to keep fans entertained and distracted during the coronavirus lockdown. For instance, Patrick Stewart has taken up daily readings of Shakespeare sonnets. With any luck, we can all venture out from our homes sooner rather than later. Until then, as Curtis put it, masks on, everyone.