AMC excludes ‘Knives Out 3’ from theaters

Director Rian Johnson expressed frustration Thursday that AMC Theatres, the world’s largest cinema chain, will not screen Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery when it opens November 26, with the film instead playing at Landmark, Alamo, and other chains before streaming on Netflix December 12.yahoo
The decision marks a reversal from 2022 when AMC screened the previous installment Glass Onion in over 200 U.S. locations, with the limited two-week theatrical window for the new film falling short of AMC’s typical 30-45 day policy before streaming releases.amctheatres
Johnson urged fans to contact local theater managers to request showings, noting the film can remain in theaters after the Netflix release “if there’s demand,” while the third Benoit Blanc mystery has earned a 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating and features an ensemble cast including Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, and Glenn Close.yahoo

Rian Johnson Frustrated as AMC Excludes Knives Out 3 From Theaters

Director Rian Johnson expressed frustration Thursday that “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” will not screen at AMC Entertainment when the film opens November 26, urging fans to contact their local theaters to request showings.

“For those asking, sadly AMC would not play the movie,” Johnson wrote on X, noting the film will screen at Landmark, Alamo, and other chains. AMC , the world’s largest cinema chain, declined to comment when contacted by The Independent.yahoo

The third installment of Johnson’s murder mystery franchise will receive a limited theatrical release before streaming on Netflix on December 12. Johnson encouraged fans who cannot find nearby screenings to “contact the manager of your local theater and (politely!) ask them if it’s coming”.ign

Netflix and AMC’s Strained Relationship

The exclusion marks a reversal from 2022, when AMC screened “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” in over 200 U.S. locations during Thanksgiving week. That release marked the first time AMC showed a Netflix film theatrically, with the streamer providing a 30-day window before the film appeared on its platform.amctheatres

AMC typically requires theatrical windows of at least 30 to 45 days before films move to streaming, according to industry reports. “Wake Up Dead Man” will have only a two-week theatrical run before its Netflix debut, falling short of AMC’s standard policy.reddit

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos recently reaffirmed the company’s strategy, stating “there’s no change” to its approach of prioritizing streaming releases. “Our strategy is to give our members exclusive first-run movies on Netflix,” Sarandos said during an October earnings call.yahoo

Critical Acclaim for Darkest Entry Yet

Despite the limited release, “Wake Up Dead Man” has earned strong reviews, currently holding a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film stars Daniel Craig reprising his role as Detective Benoit Blanc, investigating the death of a monsignor played by Josh Brolin. The ensemble cast includes Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, and Cailee Spaeny.screenrant

Critics have praised the film as the darkest and most intricate entry in the franchise, with particular acclaim for O’Connor’s performance. Johnson noted that theaters can keep the film beyond the December 12 Netflix release “if there’s demand — it’s up to the theaters to decide”.yahoo