I’ve been a fan of theKnives Outfranchise since the first movie was released in 2019. Since that point, Rian Johnson’s burgeoning series has gained a reputation for its intriguing mysteries and expansive cast lists. In each of the previous installments, the impressive ensemble of acting talent has been a key part of the film’s success, andKnives Out 3’s castis no exception. However, while the likes of Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, and Josh Brolin are exciting additions, I believe that one missing name would massively enhance the movie.
Rian Johnson’sKnives Out 3, also known asWake Up Deadman: A Knives Out Mystery, will premiere on streaming in 2025. Though details of the plot are still heavily under wraps, I’ve been encouraged by information about the cast, with all the evidence suggesting that the film will continue the franchise’s impressive track record. However, with past roles that demonstrate her huge potential to thrive in a murder mystery, I think thatAubrey Plaza is absolutely the missing piece to Johnson’s jigsaw.
Aubrey Plaza’s Past Roles Confirm She Would Be Perfect In The Knives Out Franchise
Plaza’s Parks and Recreation (2009-2015) Roles Could Be Adapted Into The Franchise
As a long-timeParks and Recreationviewer, it’s clear to me that Plaza’s performance as April Ludgate proves her suitability for theKnives Outfranchise. April’s standoffish nature would complement a whodunit nicely. On the surface, her character does not appear to care for anyone within her vicinity, but she is actually far more complex and will fiercely protect her own. Plaza uses this trait to imbue April with ambiguity – an essential ingredient in any murder mystery. The fact that viewers are constantly guessingwhere April’s loyalties lie provesPlaza can handle the intricacies of a comedic thriller likeKnives Out.
Given the excessively over-the-top dramatics of her performance, Plaza could easily use this flair to play with conventional murder mystery tropes.
For me, some of the standout features ofParks and Recreationare the moments where Plaza and her on-screen husband, Chris Pratt, are riffing off each other against the backdrop of the main story. One memorable moment comes from season 3, episode 13, “The Fight,” in which April (Plaza) and Andy (Pratt) keep themselves entertained at The Snakehole Lounge by role-playing Janet Snakehole, a wealthy widow with a secret, and FBI Agent, Bert Macklin. Given the excessively over-the-top dramatics of her performance, Plaza could easily use this flair to play with conventional murder mystery tropes.
Which Knives Out Character Role Aubrey Plaza Would Excel The Most In
Aubrey Plaza Does Have A Diverse Acting Portfolio
Despite her background, starting up in theater and improvisation performances,Plaza has been the subject of heavy criticismin the past by individuals who believe that all her characters are cut from the same cloth, and this simply isn’t true.Emily the Criminalis a definitive example of Plaza’s range, whereher role takes a look at the grittier side of Plaza. One scene in particular sees Emily caught up in a scathing rage towards her boss attempting to exploit her labor, and this is the sort of anger that a Plaza character inKnives Outcould utilize.
Although theKnives Outcharacter, Ransom Drysdale, has many undesirable traits, there are certain elements that provide a sound template for a character role for Plaza. Ransom has a terrible relationship with his family, and treats everyone around him as inferior – details that clearly correlate with some past Plaza characters. It’s already been proven that this archetype can thrive in aBenoit Blanc mystery, meaning that Plaza should absolutely be considered for a similar role in theKnives Outfranchise.
