The Rise of the “Standalone” Blockbuster: How ‘Knives Out 3’ Signals a Shift in Film Franchises
The film industry is bracing for a new era of franchise filmmaking, one where distinct identities matter more than interconnected universes. The opening of the London Film Festival with “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” isn’t just a premiere; it’s a statement. Director Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig are deliberately forging a path away from the increasingly common, and often exhausting, model of sprawling cinematic universes, opting instead for self-contained mysteries that share a charismatic detective but little else. This approach, coupled with the London Film Festival’s commitment to diversity, suggests a broader recalibration of what audiences – and studios – want from big-screen entertainment.
The Anti-Marvel Model: Why Standalone Mysteries Are Gaining Traction
For years, Hollywood has chased the Marvel formula: build a complex web of characters and storylines, demanding audience investment across multiple films and television series. While successful, this strategy is showing cracks. “Wake Up Dead Man,” the third installment in the Knives Out series, actively rejects this model. Craig emphasized the intention to create “standalone” films, each with a “different flavour.” This isn’t a deviation; it’s a deliberate choice reflecting a growing audience fatigue with endless continuity and the pressure to consume everything to fully understand the narrative. The success of “Glass Onion” demonstrated that a fresh mystery, even within an established framework, can resonate powerfully without relying on pre-existing lore.
This trend isn’t limited to whodunits. The London Film Festival’s lineup, featuring films like Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and Emma Stone’s “Bugonia,” showcases a preference for compelling, self-contained stories. Audiences are increasingly seeking experiences that offer immediate gratification and don’t require years of commitment. The rise of streaming services, with their vast libraries of individual films and series, has likely contributed to this shift in preference.
Diversity on Screen: The London Film Festival Leads the Charge
Beyond the evolving franchise landscape, the 69th BFI London Film Festival is making a powerful statement about representation. With 42% of the showcased works helmed by female or nonbinary filmmakers, the festival is actively championing inclusivity. This isn’t simply a matter of social responsibility; it’s a recognition that diverse voices bring fresh perspectives and broaden the appeal of cinema. Director Kristy Matheson articulated the festival’s goal to “reflect the city that we’re in” and represent “the world around us.”
This commitment to diversity extends beyond directorial roles. The festival’s programming also highlights films from 79 countries, demonstrating a global outlook and a willingness to showcase stories that might otherwise be overlooked. This emphasis on international cinema is particularly important in an increasingly interconnected world, fostering cross-cultural understanding and challenging dominant narratives. The BFI London Film Festival is setting a benchmark for inclusivity that other film festivals should strive to emulate.
The Return of Established Stars & the Appeal of Prestige Projects
The presence of acting legends like Daniel Day-Lewis, George Clooney, and Julia Roberts at the festival underscores the enduring appeal of prestige projects. Day-Lewis’s return to acting in his son’s directorial debut, “Anemone,” is a particularly noteworthy event, signaling a willingness among established stars to embrace new and challenging roles. These actors aren’t simply lending their names to blockbusters; they’re actively seeking out projects that offer artistic merit and creative fulfillment.
This trend suggests a potential shift in the balance of power within the industry, with actors gaining more control over their careers and prioritizing quality over quantity. The London Film Festival provides a platform for these actors to showcase their work and connect with audiences in a more intimate setting.
Implications for the Future of Film
The signals from the London Film Festival and the “Knives Out” strategy are clear: audiences are craving originality, diversity, and self-contained narratives. Studios that continue to rely solely on interconnected universes and formulaic blockbusters risk alienating a growing segment of the moviegoing population. The future of film likely lies in a hybrid approach, combining the spectacle of large-scale productions with the intimacy and artistic integrity of standalone stories. The success of Rian Johnson’s approach could inspire other filmmakers to prioritize creative freedom and audience engagement over franchise obligations. This could lead to a renaissance of original storytelling, with a greater emphasis on character development, thematic depth, and visual innovation. The Hollywood Reporter’s coverage of the festival provides further insight into these emerging trends.
What will be the next groundbreaking film to buck the trend and prioritize a unique, standalone vision? Only time will tell, but the London Film Festival has certainly laid the groundwork for a more exciting and diverse cinematic landscape.
