Rian Johnson’s Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion, will hit theaters a full month before it premieres on Netflix.
Glass Onion marks a unique turn for the streaming-theater relationship. While Netflix has debuted some of its releases in theaters before, the release plan for the murder-mystery shakes things up. Knives Out 2 will premiere in limited theaters November 23, with a run lasting one week until November 29. Following that week, there will be a “blackout” period where theaters cannot air the film leading up to its Netflix premiere December 23. Netflix is billing the theatrical release as a “sneak preview run.”
It’s also worth noting the movie won’t see a wide release on Nov. 23. It will hit around 600 theaters in the US in Canada, plus some markets overseas.
However, the theatrical agreement also marks a shift in the streaming-movie theater landscape. For the first time, all three major film exhibitors (AMC, Regal, and Cinemark) have boarded the one-week “sneak preview” deal.
“I’m over the moon that Netflix has worked with AMC, Regal and Cinemark to get Glass Onion in theaters for this one of a kind sneak preview,” said writer/director Johnson. “These movies are made to thrill audiences, and I can’t wait to feel the energy of the crowd as they experience Glass Onion. Between this and the release on Netflix in December, I’m excited that audiences around the world will be able to enjoy the film!”
Glass Onion follows the success of 2019’s murder mystery Knives Out. Daniel Craig reprises his role as Detective Benoit Blanc for a new killer case. The ensemble cast includes Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline with Kate Hudson and Dave Bautista.
You can read more about the deal, along with statements from AMC, Regal, and Cinemark representatives, on Deadline.
