Rian Johnson, the director behind the divisive Star Wars: The Last Jedi and the acclaimed Knives Out franchise, is diving back into science fiction. He's set to produce a new Netflix thriller titled 2034, which will star Oscar winner Natalie Portman. The project marks Johnson's first major sci-fi venture since his galaxy-far, far away days, and it's already generating buzz.
Details about the plot are being kept tightly under wraps, but the film is scheduled to begin production in Europe soon, with shoots planned across multiple countries over the coming months. While no release date has been announced, the production timeline suggests 2034 likely won't hit Netflix until 2027 at the earliest. Additional cast members have yet to be revealed.
Johnson has been busy since The Last Jedi, which grossed over $1.3 billion but sparked intense debate among Star Wars fans. He pivoted to the murder-mystery genre with Knives Out, producing and directing three critically praised films starring Daniel Craig. Now, he's ready to explore new territory. 2034 will be his first sci-fi project since The Last Jedi, and teaming with Portman—who starred in Annihilation and Thor: Love and Thunder—adds serious star power.
Johnson is also balancing work on the third season of his Peacock series Poker Face, which holds a stellar 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the show is undergoing a major shift: Game of Thrones alum Peter Dinklage will replace Natasha Lyonne as the lead. Production on Season 3 hasn't started yet, so fans shouldn't expect new episodes before late 2027.
For those looking for more sci-fi on Netflix, check out our picks for 3 Must-Stream Netflix Picks: From a Scarlett Johansson Directorial Debut to a '90s Sci-Fi Classic. And if you're planning a binge weekend, our April 27 Binge Plan has you covered.
As for 2034, stay tuned for more updates as production gets underway. This is one sci-fi thriller that's definitely worth keeping on your radar.
