Written by Shona Smith on Jun 30, 2021. Posted in Production News

Murder Mystery Knives out 2 begins filming in Greece

Rian Johnson’s created and directed Knives Out 2 swaps Massachusetts for sunny Greece in mystery sequel. Greece is experiencing one of its busiest summer seasons to date with over 18 large projects taking advantage of the 40% cash rebate.

Knives out 1 was set and filmed in Boston, Massachusetts. It revolved around the family of Harlan Thrombey, a wealthy

mystery novelist who mysteriously dies the night of his 85^th birthday party at his Massachusetts mansion. Master detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig (No Time to Die, Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens) is asked to get to uncover the truth surrounding his death.

Craig is the only returning cast member to feature in the sequel. Knives out 2 features an all-star cast including  Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy, See), Edward Norton (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Alita: Battle Angel) , Janelle Monae (Hidden Figures, Moonlight) , Kathryn Hahn (Private Life, Transparent), Leslie Odom Jr. (Murder on the Orient Express, One Night in Miami)  and Kate Hudson (Almost Famous, Fools Gold), amongst others.

The second film swaps autumnal New England for the sunny Greek coast. Johnson celebrated the first day of filming in Greece on twitter, saying “Aaaaaaaand WE’RE OFF!,” Johnson wrote. “Day one of filming on the next Benoit Blanc mystery. Thanks to all the lovely patient people here in Greece for letting us do all this murdering on their peaceful shores.”

In March 2021 Netflix acquired the rights for Knives out 2 and Knives out 3 for over USD450 million. The original film had a budget of just USD40 million, and grossed USD311.5 million at the box office with distribution by Lionsgate.

Knives Out 2 is one of the productions that In 2020 Greece increased its incentive to 40%. Changes were made to allow above the line expenses eligible for up to 25% of the total eligible cost. Over 18 large productions are shooting in Greece in 2021. In addition to Knives Out 2 David Cronenburg’s sci-fi feature Crimes of the Future, and Disney+ Greek Freak have taken advantage of the rebate.

Image Credit: Lionsgate