Following the recent addition of Lakeith Stanfield (Sorry to Bother You, Atlanta), Variety reports that Academy Award nominated actor Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water) is in talks to join in Rian Johnson’s murder mystery Knives Out. The Knives Out cast also includes Daniel Craig (Casino Royale) and the recently announced Chris Evans (Avengers: Infinity War).
Shannon is best known for his roles in films such as Revolutionary Road opposite Leonardo DiCarpio and Kate Winslet; and in the psychological drama Nocturnal Animals starring Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal. Both films have earned Shannon two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor. He will next be seen in BBC’s upcoming miniseries adaptation The Little Drummer Girl.
Johnson wrote the script for Knives Out, which has yet to release any kind of synopsis but is described as a modern-day murder mystery in the classic whodunit style, infused with Johnson’s original voice that informed films from Brick to Looper. Craig committed to star in November after Danny Boyle suddenly left the Bond 25 project, and Johnson wrote the script and will be producing alongside partner Ram Bergman. Johnson has been a huge Agatha Christie fan for years, and for over a decade has been plotting his own murder mystery.
Johnson will make Knives Out before he directs a new trilogy in the Star Wars universe.
Last September, it was announced that Media Rights Capital, the company behind such hits as Baby Driver and the upcoming Peter Jackson-produced Mortal Engines, has successfully landed the rights to the film at the 2018 Toronto Film Festival and is set to finance with a $40 million commitment.
The film is expected to start shooting this November.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
