Interview: Same Franchise, New Body Count: Kerry Frances on Her Knives Out Return

Getting invited into the Knives Out universe once is impressive. Getting brought back again as a completely different character is the kind of Hollywood win that doesn’t happen by accident. Kerry Frances knows that better than most, and during her recent conversation on The TV Cave podcast, the actress offered a sharp, funny and refreshingly honest look at her unique place inside Rian Johnson’s modern mystery empire.

As audiences continue to devour each new Benoit Blanc case, Frances stands out as one of the few performers to cross installments while switching identities entirely. She first appeared in 2019’s Knives Out as Sally. She later returned in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery as Tammy. We will let her describe her charcters.

Rather than treating the roles as disconnected, Frances revealed she created her own internal continuity between the two characters. “People do that. They get burnt out, move, change their name, and start over.” It’s a delightfully nerdy approach that fits the franchise’s puzzle-loving fanbase.

Frances also shared how her involvement in Knives Out came from years of creative trust with the creatives behind the franchise, whom eventually decided to write a role specifically for her rather than force her into a traditional audition lane. That collaboration has since extended into other projects, including Poker Face, cementing a working relationship most actors would kill for.

What truly shows throughout the interview is Frances’ enthusiasm for the parts of the industry many performers quietly tolerate. She openly loves press, thrives in interviews and enjoys the business side of Hollywood just as much as the acting itself. That energy carries through the conversation, making it feel less like promotional fluff and more like an insider hang.

Don’t take my word for it though. Check out our full interview below or wherever you stream your Podcasts!