Daniel Craig is back as the famously eccentric detective Benoit Blanc in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the highly anticipated third chapter in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed murder mystery franchise. Set for release on December 12, 2025, exclusively on Netflix, the film is already generating buzz for its darker tone, gothic aesthetic, and an ensemble cast brimming with star power.
A Darker Turn for Benoit Blanc
Netflix unveiled the film’s official teaser during its Tudum 2025 event, revealing that this mystery will plunge Blanc into his “most dangerous case yet.” Visually and tonally, the teaser leans into a more brooding, atmospheric style—marking a noticeable departure from the opulent satire of Knives Out and the sun-drenched absurdity of Glass Onion.
The title Wake Up Dead Man, a reference to a 1997 U2 song about resurrection and existential crisis, hints at heavier themes like mortality, guilt, and perhaps spiritual reckoning. First-look images show Daniel Craig’s Blanc in a cathedral alongside Josh O’Connor’s character, sparking theories that the mystery may revolve around religious institutions or a faith-based community in crisis.
An All-Star Cast with Intriguing Roles
As with past installments, Johnson has assembled an eclectic and prestigious lineup of actors to fill out the ensemble cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Daniel Craig | Benoit Blanc |
| Josh O’Connor | Rev. Jud Duplenticy |
| Glenn Close | Martha Delacroix |
| Josh Brolin | Msgr. Jefferson Wicks |
| Mila Kunis | Geraldine Scott, Police Chief |
| Jeremy Renner | Dr. Nat Sharp |
| Kerry Washington | Vera Draven |
| Andrew Scott | Lee Ross |
| Cailee Spaeny | Simone Vivane |
| Daryl McCormack | Cy Draven |
| Thomas Haden Church | Samson Holt |
Fans were quick to note the in-universe meta-joke of Jeremy Renner finally appearing in person after being humorously referenced in Glass Onion via his fictional “Renning Hot” hot sauce.
What’s the Story?
While Rian Johnson is keeping the plot tightly under wraps, the religious and philosophical overtones suggested by character names—like “Rev. Duplenticy” and “Msgr. Wicks”—hint at an ecclesiastical setting or a cloistered community unraveling from within. The name “Wake Up Dead Man” also implies the uncovering of buried secrets or a long-forgotten crime.
There’s growing speculation that Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny), who is mysteriously absent from the teaser footage, may be the murder victim at the heart of the story. Others believe she could be a red herring, or even the key to unraveling a more layered mystery than previous films.
Filming & Production Details
- Filming Location: London, England
- Filming Dates: June–August 2024
- Release Date: December 12, 2025, globally on Netflix
Unlike Knives Out, which saw a limited theatrical release, Wake Up Dead Man will debut exclusively on Netflix as part of the studio’s massive deal with Rian Johnson and producer Ram Bergman—reportedly worth over $450 million for two sequels.
Returning Themes, New Influences
Each Knives Out film has blended the murder mystery format with a sharp critique of social structures. The original skewered inherited wealth and entitlement; Glass Onion took aim at tech billionaires and celebrity culture. Early signs suggest that Wake Up Dead Man may confront themes of religious hypocrisy, institutional decay, and spiritual manipulation—marking a more serious shift while retaining Johnson’s layered storytelling.
The Teaser Trailer
Netflix’s teaser is brief but rich in mood. It shows Benoit Blanc walking into darkness as the words “In the beginning… there was a mystery” fade in and out. The music, lighting, and tone all hint at a story with higher personal stakes and a sense of existential danger—not just another parlor room puzzle.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is shaping up to be not just a sequel, but a reinvention of the modern whodunit. With Daniel Craig in career-best form and Rian Johnson continuing to push genre boundaries, this could be Blanc’s most memorable case yet.
Key Takeaways
- “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is scheduled for release in December 2025, bringing back Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc.
- The third film appears to involve religious themes and is described as Blanc’s most dangerous case yet.
- An entirely new supporting cast joins the mystery, continuing the franchise’s anthology approach to storytelling.
Overview of ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’
‘Wake Up Dead Man’ marks the third installment in Rian Johnson’s popular mystery franchise, with Daniel Craig returning as detective Benoit Blanc for what’s being described as his most dangerous case yet.
Plot Details and Thematic Elements
The upcoming film continues the whodunit tradition established in the previous movies, though specific plot details remain largely under wraps. What we do know is that Benoit Blanc will face his most perilous investigation to date. The title “Wake Up Dead Man” suggests darker themes than previous entries.
The cast includes Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, and Cailee Spaeny, indicating another ensemble approach similar to the previous films. Some reports suggest O’Connor may be playing a character reminiscent of a “Hot Priest,” though exact character details haven’t been confirmed.
The film appears to maintain Johnson’s signature blend of mystery, social commentary, and dark humor that fans have come to expect.
Continuity in the ‘Knives Out’ Series
‘Wake Up Dead Man’ follows the standalone approach established with ‘Glass Onion,’ where Benoit Blanc is the only returning character in an otherwise new story. This anthology format allows Johnson to explore different mystery subgenres while maintaining the central detective.
Like its predecessors, this third entry will likely feature Blanc’s distinctive deductive methods and Southern drawl that Craig has made iconic. The detective’s talent for uncovering hidden truths among complex family dynamics and misleading evidence remains central.
Netflix continues as the distributor after acquiring the rights to the sequels. This third film further cements the ‘Knives Out’ brand as a modern mystery franchise with its own unique identity separate from Christie-inspired predecessors.
Production and Release Information
The third installment in Rian Johnson’s popular mystery series, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” has been generating buzz since its announcement. The film brings back Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc and introduces a star-studded new ensemble cast.
Casting Decisions and New Additions
Daniel Craig returns as the charismatic Southern detective Benoit Blanc, continuing the character’s journey through another complex mystery. The film boasts an impressive ensemble of talent joining the franchise.
New cast members include Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, and Jeremy Renner, bringing fresh energy to the mystery series. Andrew Scott and Kerry Washington have also signed on, adding to the film’s star power.
Rising stars Cailee Spaeny and Daryl McCormack join veteran actor Thomas Haden Church to round out the cast. This mixture of established and emerging talent follows Johnson’s pattern of assembling diverse, multi-generational ensembles.
The story reportedly centers around tech billionaires, though specific character details remain under wraps.
Filming Locations and Production Insights
Principal photography for “Wake Up Dead Man” took place primarily in London, England. This marks a shift from previous locations, as “Glass Onion” filmed in Greece while the original “Knives Out” shot in Massachusetts.
Production began in late 2024, with Rian Johnson returning as both writer and director. Johnson maintains creative control over the franchise, writing each mystery as a standalone story with unique characters surrounding Craig’s detective.
The production team has kept most plot details tightly guarded. However, set photos revealed elaborate London locales and what appears to be high-tech environments fitting the rumored tech billionaire theme.
Like previous entries, the film aims to blend classic whodunit elements with contemporary social commentary.
Theatrical Release and Distribution by Netflix
“Wake Up Dead Man” is scheduled for release in 2025 in the United States. This follows Netflix’s acquisition of the rights to both this and the previous film for a reported $450 million.
Unlike “Glass Onion,” which had a limited one-week theatrical release, Netflix plans a wider theatrical distribution for this third installment. This strategy responds to fans who wanted more opportunities to experience the previous film on the big screen.
The film was originally tied to Lionsgate, who distributed the first “Knives Out,” before Netflix acquired the sequels. This acquisition represents one of Netflix’s largest investments in film franchises.
The streaming giant has positioned the “Knives Out” series as one of its premier film properties, hoping to capitalize on the success of the previous films which garnered both critical acclaim and strong viewership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans are eagerly anticipating the next adventure of Detective Benoit Blanc in “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” These common questions cover the most sought-after details about this upcoming mystery film.
What is the official release date for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery?
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” will be streaming globally on Netflix in 2025. While an exact date hasn’t been officially announced, the film is scheduled for release in fall 2025.
This third installment follows the commercial success of the previous Knives Out films, continuing the mystery anthology series.
Where can I watch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery upon release?
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” will be available exclusively on Netflix worldwide. The streaming giant secured the rights to both the second and third Knives Out films in a significant deal.
Unlike the first Knives Out film, which had a traditional theatrical release, this installment will follow the streaming-first model used for “Glass Onion.”
Are there any continuations or sequels to the Knives Out series planned after Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery?
There has been no official announcement regarding additional sequels beyond “Wake Up Dead Man.” The current agreement between Netflix and the filmmakers covers three Knives Out films, including the already-released “Glass Onion.”
However, given the popularity of Detective Benoit Blanc and the commercial success of the franchise, future installments remain a possibility.
What themes and genres does Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery explore?
“Wake Up Dead Man” continues the murder mystery genre established in previous Knives Out films while potentially exploring darker themes. The subtitle suggests this may be Benoit Blanc’s “most dangerous case yet.”
The film maintains the whodunit structure but, like its predecessors, will likely incorporate social commentary and subvert genre expectations. Each film in the series has established its unique tone while maintaining the core mystery elements.
Which streaming platforms will feature Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery?
Netflix will be the exclusive streaming home for “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” The platform acquired global streaming rights to both the second and third films in the Knives Out series.
No other streaming services or platforms will offer the film upon its initial release in 2025.
Can you recommend movies similar to Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery?
Fans waiting for “Wake Up Dead Man” might enjoy other modern whodunits like “See How They Run,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” and “Death on the Nile.” These films feature ensemble casts solving complex murder mysteries.
For those specifically enjoying Rian Johnson’s directorial style, his film “Looper” showcases his storytelling strengths in a different genre. Classic Agatha Christie adaptations also provide similar murder mystery satisfaction with ensemble casts and clever detective work.
