After Knives Out, Rian Johnson Teases a ’70s-Style Paranoid Sci-Fi Thriller

In a surprise shift from his blockbuster detective series, Rian Johnson is heading into new and intriguingly retro territory. After delivering three consecutive instalments of the beloved “Knives Out” franchise, Johnson is now writing an original feature that he describes as inspired by the paranoid thrillers of the 1970s, with a “light sci-fi element” to shake things up.

Johnson told Empire that the project is less about overt science-fiction tropes and more about psychological tension, uncanny atmospheres, creeping suspicion and a subtly altered world. It’s the kind of tone that recalls classics of the decade, think mysterious conspiracies, off-kilter settings, characters unsure whom to trust, while also allowing the familiar Johnson signature of smart twists and bold visual style.

“I’d say it harkens back to the ’70s paranoid thrillers,” Johnson explained. “It’s got a light sci-fi element.” These words alone are fueling speculation: Will the “sci-fi” component be an alternate timeline? A futuristic technology creeping into everyday life? Or something more surreal and abstract?

What makes this move particularly interesting is Johnson’s track record. He became widely known for reviving the whodunit genre with Knives Out and its sequels, featuring razor-sharp dialogue and an A-list ensemble. But earlier in his career he flirted with sci-fi in films like Looper, and of course took on Star Wars. Now, he appears to be merging his interests in mystery and speculative filmmaking into one fresh project.

While no cast or title have been announced yet, the film’s vibe suggests a departure from large ensemble comedies or the sprawling galactic epics; instead we’re likely looking at something tighter, moodier and possibly more personal. Filters of dread and intrigue seem foregrounded. Johnson noted that after three whodunits in a row, he felt energised by the prospect of doing something “completely different.”

For fans of his work who love the twisty plotting of Knives Out and the sci-fi flourishes in Looper, this upcoming film could feel like the sweet spot: an atmospheric thriller built around tension and mystery, but playing with sci-fi just enough to keep it unpredictable. The fact that Johnson is going back to a 1970s thriller sensibility is also exciting: it suggests more reliance on mood, character psychology, slow builds and the unknown; elements that are sometimes missing in big modern tentpoles.

Johnson’s comments also hint at creative freedom. With this film he’s not anchored to an existing franchise or IP, which means he can pivot, surprise, and lean into the weird. Given that, the possibilities are thrilling. What kind of world will he build? What twist of sci-fi will meaningfully affect the story? Who will join the cast and bring it to life?

While we wait for more concrete details (title, cast, release date) one thing is certain: Rian Johnson’s next film is shaping up to be a bold, genre-blending ride. For those who love psychological thrills, vintage vibes and thoughtful science-fiction sparks, this could be one of the most anticipated projects ahead.