Rian Johnson Dismisses Muppets Crossover for Knives Out Franchise

Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director behind the popular *Knives Out* series, has clarified why a crossover featuring the Muppets is not in the cards. In recent comments, he addressed fan desires for a collaboration between his character Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, and the iconic felt creatures known for their comedic antics.

Johnson’s remarks came after he humorously labeled himself a hypocrite on social media. He expressed excitement for a fan-made poster that featured Miss Piggy in the Broadway play *Oh Mary!* while simultaneously rejecting the idea of a Muppet-themed *Knives Out* installment. This contradiction sparked a wave of reactions online, prompting him to elaborate on the *Awards Chatter* podcast hosted by *The Hollywood Reporter*.

Why a Muppet Crossover is Not Viable

During the podcast, Johnson explained that the concept of a *Knives Out* Muppet movie raises fundamental issues. He stated, “On the internet, the notion of a Knives Out Muppet movie comes up a lot… I wanted to explain why that’s a bad idea.” According to Johnson, there are two problematic scenarios that would arise from such a crossover.

The first scenario involves placing the Muppets in a *Benoit Blanc* film, which would necessitate a darker narrative where the beloved characters could face dire consequences. Johnson emphasized, “The reality is, if you put Muppets in a Benoit Blanc movie, it would feel totally wrong because they would be getting murdered.”

The second scenario, where Blanc is placed in a Muppet movie, would compromise the character’s integrity and the tone of the *Knives Out* series. Johnson remarked, “Admittedly, it would be very fun, but it would kind of break the reality of what Blanc is.”

Future Collaborations with the Muppets

Despite ruling out the *Knives Out* crossover, Johnson has expressed enthusiasm for potentially creating a standalone Muppet film. He stated, “I would just love to do a regular awesome Muppet movie… I’ll do the Muppet caper, or my Muppet musical. Get together with Frank Oz and cook something.”

This is an intriguing possibility, particularly as Disney appears to be ramping up efforts to revitalize the Muppets franchise. In addition to the upcoming anniversary revival of *The Muppet Show*, a new film featuring Miss Piggy is in the works. The project reportedly involves talent including Cole Escola, Emma Stone, and Jennifer Lawrence.

As the Muppets look to make a significant comeback, the prospect of a new Rian Johnson project with the beloved characters could be on the horizon. While *Knives Out: A Very Muppet Murder Mystery* may not be in the works, Johnson’s openness to a Muppet collaboration highlights the potential for fresh and exciting narratives within this iconic universe.