Still, it’s a rare phenomenon in movies, with the nearest equivalent being TV’s Doctor Who. An iconic role switching actors every 10 years is far more common with superheroes, but the sheer amount of content in that realm has diluted the meaning of live-action comic book characters changing hands. Case in point: Tyler Hoechlin’s iteration of Superman debuted before Henry Cavill officially stepped down, and made his final appearance only a few short months before David Corenswet arrived.
It may not happen often, but the next James Bond-like role that gets passed down across the decades could already be in motion. And it’s a character Daniel Craig has already played.
Knives Out’s Benoit Blanc Could Be Another “James Bond” Character That Changes Actors Every Few Films
Rian Johnson’s Knives Out franchise has carved out a unique niche as an anthology where each movie is distinctly different, and the director has expressed an interest in continuing the whodunit series so long as he can find worthwhile angles to explore. Under the right conditions, Knives Out is a franchise that could run indefinitely, with another director potentially taking Johnson’s place when the time comes.
A large part of Knives Out‘s success can be attributed to the central sleuth of Benoit Blanc, and how colorfully Daniel Craig brings the wily detective to life. As the only common threads in all three Knives Out movies, the partnership between Johnson and Craig is the key to keeping this world of murder mysteries going right now.
In that sense, Knives Out and James Bond aren’t entirely dissimilar. Both put their main character in a new situation for each movie, both rely heavily on their leading actor, and both have the potential to last forever. But just as James Bond could only fulfill its true potential by finding a way to move on from Sean Connery, the same is true for Knives Out and Daniel Craig. By the time Craig tires of solving elaborate murders in stunning locations, the Knives Out concept may be ripe for a new perspective, and Benoit Blanc ripe for a new face.
In 20 years time, you can imagine seeing headlines like “[INSERT ACTOR HERE] CAST AS THIRD BENOIT BLANC AHEAD OF NEW MOVIE.”
What Would A New Benoit Blanc Actor Need To Succeed?
While all incarnations of James Bond have been different, each actor has been required to nail the same core tenets. Suaveness, physicality, mystery, and intensity would be among the most important.
Similarly, Daniel Craig has established a foundation of traits for Benoit Blanc. A distinct accent would be needed, in addition to a very dry sense of humor. Blanc’s actor would need to nail the detective’s overriding kind nature, but also that willingness to manipulate and deceive if it means getting to the truth. Indeed, that unerring hunger to solve murders should be the underlying motivation for any future Benoit Blanc.
Rian Johnson admitted on X that he was tempted to give Benoit Blance a different accent in each movie.
Above all, and quite unlike James Bond, Benoit Blanc’s actor would need to anchor an ensemble of A-list actors playing larger-than-life characters, and that’s the quality that would likely separate those who are capable of filling Daniel Craig’s shoes from those who aren’t.
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- Created by
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Rian Johnson
- First Film
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Knives Out
- Latest Film
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Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
- Upcoming Films
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Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
- Cast
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Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana De Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Edward Norton, Janelle Monae
- Movie(s)
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Knives Out, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
The Knives Out franchise, created by writer-director Rian Johnson, is a modern take on the classic whodunit genre. The films follow master detective Benoit Blanc as he solves elaborate murder mysteries involving eccentric and wealthy suspects. The franchise blends dark comedy, sharp social commentary, and intricate plot twists, paying homage to the works of Agatha Christie while offering fresh, contemporary storytelling.
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- Genres
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Action
- Created by
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Ian Fleming, Albert R. Broccoli
- First Film
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Dr. No
- Latest Film
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No Time to Die
- Upcoming Films
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James Bond 26
- First TV Show
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Fleming: The Man Who Would be Bond
The James Bond franchise follows the adventures of British secret agent 007 as he combats global threats. With a license to kill, Bond faces off against various villains and criminal organizations, employing high-tech gadgets, espionage, and charm. The series spans multiple films, featuring exotic locations, thrilling action sequences, and memorable characters. Bond’s mission to protect the world and uphold justice remains central, making the franchise an enduring icon in the spy genre.
