Movie Theaters Want to Play ‘Knives Out’ Sequel ‘Glass Onion.’ Does Netflix Care?
variety.comRebecca Rubin Film and Media ReporterSince the pandemic, it’s been feast or famine at the box office. And after dining out in spectacular fashion for much of the summer, movie theaters are bracing for a starvation diet this fall.With a series of question marks on the calendar through the remainder of the year, there’s at least one movie that exhibitors expect to triumph.
The bad news? It’s coming to Netflix.The highly anticipated “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” will debut Dec. 23 on the streaming service, as well as “in select theaters on a to-be-announced date,” Netflix reported on Monday.But, much to the chagrin of movie theater operators, the film is not expected to secure a significant theatrical rollout, at least not the kind that would have greeted the sequel to director Rian Johnson’s 2019 sleeper hit “Knives Out,” had Lionsgate been distributing the starry murder mystery.
Lionsgate and Media Rights Capital backed the first movie, which made a killing in theaters with $165 million in North America and $311 million worldwide.
Then in early 2021, Netflix made an irresistible offer by plunking down $450 million for the rights to two “Knives Out” sequels to land on the streamer. “‘Knives Out’ was exceptional, and Rian Johnson is a sensational storyteller,” says David A.
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