When did Rian Johnson first think of Benoit Blanc?

Rian Johnson first conceived of Benoit Blanc during his first date with Karina Longworth, over a decade before the film's release.

How did Karina Longworth influence Poker Face?

Karina Longworth's book signing was where Natasha Lyonne met Rian Johnson, leading to Lyonne's role in Poker Face.

Is the Knives Out series still ongoing?

Yes, the Knives Out series is ongoing with 'Wake Up Dead Man' scheduled for a December 2025 release.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / From First Date to Blockbuster: The Benoit Blanc Story

From First Date to Blockbuster: The Benoit Blanc Story

29 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Rian Johnson conceived Benoit Blanc during his first date with Karina Longworth.
The idea for the Knives Out detective originated over a decade before the film.
Karina Longworth also inspired Natasha Lyonne's character in Poker Face.

From First Date to Blockbuster: The Benoit Blanc Story

Director Rian Johnson's recent success in the murder mystery genre, particularly with the Knives Out franchise and the series Poker Face, has deep personal roots. The inspiration for Benoit Blanc, the charming detective played by Daniel Craig, reportedly emerged from a very personal moment.

According to co-producer Ram Bergman, Johnson first shared his vision for a murder mystery featuring Benoit Blanc during his very first date with Karina Longworth, whom he later married. This concept, born more than ten years before the 2019 release of Knives Out, highlights a long-standing creative spark.

Longworth's connection to Johnson's mystery work also extends to Poker Face. The series' star, Natasha Lyonne, met Johnson at a book signing hosted by Longworth. This encounter proved instrumental in the development of Lyonne's character, Charlie Cale, underscoring Longworth's significant, albeit indirect, role in Johnson's genre revitalization.