The Knives Out series starring Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc could continue for numerous additional films.

Director Rian Johnson’s newest instalment in the popular murder mystery franchise, Wake Up Dead Man, has just had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival before arriving in cinemas this November and on Netflix in December.

The third film in the series has been billed as Blanc’s “darkest” case to date as he finds himself embroiled in a puzzling death that shakes the followers of a charismatic priest.

During a discussion at LFF, Johnson revealed he remains hopeful the series will carry on despite his two-film agreement with Netflix coming to an end.

“For now, I’d be thrilled to keep making these for the rest of my life.”

It remains unclear whether Netflix are pursuing another agreement with Johnson or if subsequent sequels might debut exclusively in cinemas or on an entirely different platform.

According to Deadline, the filmmaker is also considering a break from the franchise with a new script currently in development. At the Contenders London event over the weekend, Johnson said: “I’m writing right now, [but] it’s not one of these [Knives Out] films. It’s just something completely different, an original thing.

“I actually feel very energised after making this one [Wake Up Dead Man], but this is three in a row. It’s probably healthy to see other people.”

Johnson is also the creator of Poker Face, starring Natasha Lyonne as human lie detector Charlie Cale, which recently returned for a second season.

It’s currently unconfirmed if a third season is in the works.

As for Wake Up Dead Man, the film’s gothic setting and religious themes make it the grittiest instalment in the franchise so far, though Johnson has assured fans it retains the Knives Out spirit.

“In a way it’s a much more grounded and sombre movie,” he said.

“But I still think it’s very funny, and maybe even a little more so than the others, because you’re not supposed to fart in church.

“Because of the seriousness of it, it makes the funny stuff a little more contrast.”

Will you be heading straight to the cinema for Benoit Blanc’s latest thrilling investigation, or will you wait patiently for its subsequent Netflix release?

Wake Up Dead Man will be released Wednesday, 26th November in cinemas and Friday, 12th December on Netflix.