Chris Evans Joins Rian Johnson’s Murder Mystery “Knives Out” Alongside Daniel Craig
Just hours after announcing on Twitter that he had finished filming what he described as his final performance as Captain America for the upcoming, as-yet-untitled fourth Avengers movie, actor Chris Evans has been confirmed as part of the cast for Knives Out, a new murder mystery written and directed by Rian Johnson.
Knives Out pairs Evans with Daniel Craig and will be overseen by Media Rights Capital, which acquired the project at the Toronto International Film Festival. Details about the film’s plot remain tightly under wraps, and the specific characters both Evans and Craig will play have not been publicly revealed. What is clear is that Johnson—best known most recently for writing and directing Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi—will helm the project as writer-director.
Evans brings to the project a long association with high-profile studio filmmaking, having become a household name through his portrayal of Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America, in multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe films. He has also explored smaller-scale, independent work; in 2014 he wrote, directed and starred in the indie drama Before We Go, demonstrating an interest in both performing and storytelling beyond large franchise sets. His casting in Knives Out signals a continued balance between mainstream tentpole projects and more contained, character-driven films.
Daniel Craig, widely recognized for his tenure as James Bond, adds another layer of star power to the ensemble. Craig’s involvement, combined with Evans’ presence and Johnson’s distinct directorial voice, has raised expectations for a stylish, twist-driven take on the classic murder mystery format. Rian Johnson’s previous films have often played with genre conventions and narrative surprises, so the creative team’s pedigree suggests Knives Out will aim to be both clever and entertaining.
Production scheduling for Knives Out is set to take place before Craig begins work on Bond 25, and before Johnson moves forward with his planned Star Wars trilogy. The timing indicates the project was prioritized to fit between the principal commitments of its headline talent, allowing Johnson and his actors to complete the film without delaying their other studio obligations.
Media Rights Capital’s acquisition of Knives Out at the Toronto International Film Festival underscores the industry’s interest in festival-driven sales and the continued market for mid-budget, star-driven mysteries. While major studios often focus on franchise blockbusters, projects like Knives Out demonstrate there remains appetite—both creatively and commercially—for original, well-cast films that center on suspense, ensemble dynamics and clever plotting.
Fans and observers can expect marketing to be deliberately restrained until the filmmakers choose to reveal more. For now, the enforced secrecy around plot and character details is part of the film’s early identity: an upcoming murder mystery whose surprises are being preserved to enhance audience experience. That approach is consistent with the genre’s best examples, where plot revelations and character twists are central to enjoyment.
Chris Evans’ announcement regarding his Captain America role naturally generated significant attention, and his quick association with Knives Out will only heighten interest. The move represents a noteworthy career moment, following years of franchise success and a steady interest in diverse projects. With Rian Johnson steering the ship and Daniel Craig attached, Knives Out now stands out as a high-profile original mystery that could appeal to mainstream audiences and genre enthusiasts alike.