Lionsgate has reportedly already greenlit Rian Johnson's runaway hit whodunit Knives Out for a sequel and I couldn't have asked for better news to begin my 2020. Since its premiere back in November 2019, Knives Out has proven itself to be box office gold as critics and audiences alike have discovered the Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery starring Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, a skilled sleuth searching for a murderer among the relatives of a wealthy but recently deceased crime novelist (Christopher Plummer). Johnson's recent feature boasts one of the most colorful and talents casts of 2019, including Jamie Lee CurtisChris EvansAna de ArmasDon JohnsonToni Collette, and Michael Shannon.

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Image via Lionsgate

So, what exactly is happening with the alleged Knives Out 2? It seems Johnson confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that a sequel had been greenlit by Lionsgate (when? Who knows!) and also noted he was already working on developing the story for the project. Johnson also shared with THR the Knives Out sequel would focused on Benoit Blanc, which means we'll be treated to an entirely new cast of characters in the next chapter.

Additionally, Johnson revealed his desires to begin filming in the next year. It's possible Johnson intends to keep Knives Out 2 on the same confidently fast-paced schedule as its predecessor, which began filming in October 2018 and ended in December 2018. However, at this point in time it should be noted neither Lionsgate nor Johnson have released official statements confirming Knives Out 2 is happening. But, if Johnson is already divulging it to THR, then an official statement will likely just be the proverbial cherry on top of this exciting news.

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Image via Lionsgate

Knives Out has been nothing short of box office gold for Lionsgate since it arrived in theaters. As of Sunday, January 5, Knives Out has become the second highest-grossing original release of 2019 with a domestic total of more than $130 million and a worldwide total of $247.5 million. Even more admirable is the fact this flick has experienced only slight week-to-week dips in its box office run — a relative rarity. Over this first weekend of January, Knives Out dipped a very small 9%. It's also no mean feat that de Armas scooped up a 2020 Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Craig nabbed a Globe nod for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, and Knives Out earned a nom for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.

For a mid-budget, original story currently entering its sixth week in theaters, these current totals and early awards season props are sure signs it would have been foolish for Lionsgate to not put a sequel in motion; we want more murder mysteries ASAP! Especially if they involve speeches about metaphorical donut holes.

Knives Out is currently still in theaters. For more on the appropriately-hyped feature, check out our own extensive Q&A with Johnson and read our glowing review from the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.