The knives are being sharpened once again — Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is officially headed to Netflix in fall 2025. This third entry in the acclaimed whodunit franchise marks the return of Daniel Craig as the sharp-tongued southern sleuth Benoit Blanc, and it promises to be his most dangerous investigation yet. Directed and written by Rian Johnson, the film brings back the signature mix of high-stakes mystery, eccentric characters, and razor-sharp wit that made the first two films into cultural touchstones.
But this time, the stakes — and the cast — are bigger than ever.
A Bold New Title and Tone
The subtitle Wake Up Dead Man might sound ominous, and that’s no accident. It’s not only a reference to a 1997 U2 song, but also a hint that this new mystery may head into darker, more introspective territory. Rian Johnson has teased that this chapter will explore a different tone compared to Glass Onion, shifting from playful satire back toward a more somber and grounded narrative — closer in spirit to the original Knives Out.
This thematic shift is reflected in the film’s first released image: Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc standing in a shadowy, church-like setting alongside Challengers star Josh O’Connor — signaling gothic aesthetics and moral ambiguity.
Filming and Setting
Production wrapped in August 2024 after a summer shoot in and around London. While previous installments were set in sunny Greece and a New England mansion, Wake Up Dead Man trades those vibrant backdrops for what looks to be a moody European setting, full of historical architecture and ominous shadows.
This location shift isn’t just cosmetic — it’s expected to influence the mood and structure of the film, immersing Blanc in a mystery with global implications, possibly touching on themes of legacy, mortality, or revenge.
A Murderer’s Row of Talent: Full Cast Revealed
The cast assembled for this chapter might be the franchise’s most eclectic yet, combining prestige actors, box-office regulars, and rising stars:
- Daniel Craig – Returning as Benoit Blanc
- Josh O’Connor – (The Crown, Challengers)
- Cailee Spaeny – (Priscilla, Civil War)
- Andrew Scott – (Fleabag, All of Us Strangers)
- Kerry Washington – (Scandal, Django Unchained)
- Glenn Close – (Fatal Attraction, The Wife)
- Jeremy Renner – (Hawkeye, The Hurt Locker)
- Mila Kunis – (Black Swan, Luckiest Girl Alive)
- Josh Brolin – (Dune, Avengers: Endgame)
- Daryl McCormack – (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande)
- Thomas Haden Church – (Sideways, Spider-Man: No Way Home)
With a cast this stacked, every character will be a potential suspect — or victim.
A Bigger Theatrical Push?
While Glass Onion had a limited one-week theatrical run, fans and critics alike have voiced a desire to see future Knives Out mysteries hit the big screen in a more meaningful way. Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig are reportedly pushing for a broader theatrical release this time, citing the communal nature of a murder mystery — where gasps, laughter, and theories fly freely in a crowded theater.
Netflix has remained noncommittal, but industry buzz suggests a longer theatrical window may be in the works. That could mean several weeks in cinemas before the film hits the platform — a rare move for the streamer, but one that could signal a growing respect for cinematic tradition within the franchise.
What to Expect This Time Around
Though the plot is under tight wraps — a hallmark of Johnson’s mystery-first marketing approach — Wake Up Dead Man will likely follow the same structure fans have come to love: a flashy opening death, an ensemble of secret-keepers, and a mid-film twist that recontextualizes everything.
Benoit Blanc, who evolved from a quirky background figure in the first film to a more central, even emotional, character in Glass Onion, will reportedly take an even deeper dive this time. We may finally learn more about his past — and what drives him beyond the crime-solving.
The Verdict: Mark Your Calendar for Fall 2025
With its prestige cast, genre-savvy director, and a franchise reputation for reinventing the murder mystery formula, Wake Up Dead Man could be the boldest Knives Out entry yet. It’s not just another whodunit — it’s a cinematic event that blends old-school storytelling with modern style, ready to unfold on Netflix (and maybe the big screen) in fall 2025.
Whether you’re a mystery fanatic or just love watching a smart detective unravel lies with Southern charm, this is one case you won’t want to miss.
Key Takeaways
- “Wake Up Dead Man” will debut on Netflix in fall 2025 as the third film in the Knives Out mystery series.
- Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc with Rian Johnson again directing the mystery.
- The film was shot in London and Johnson hopes for a significant theatrical release alongside its Netflix premiere.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Overview
The third installment in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed mystery series brings detective Benoit Blanc back for what promises to be his most challenging case yet. The film continues Johnson’s modern take on classic whodunnit storytelling while featuring another star-studded ensemble cast.
Release Date and Streaming Platform
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is scheduled for release on Netflix in 2025, specifically during the fall season. This follows the pattern established by the previous film Glass Onion, which was also distributed by Netflix.
Unlike Glass Onion, which had a limited theatrical release, director Rian Johnson has expressed hopes for a more substantial theatrical run before the film lands on the streaming platform. This would give audiences a chance to experience the mystery in cinema settings.
The film represents the third collaboration between Johnson and Netflix, continuing their partnership after the streaming giant acquired the rights to the Knives Out sequels in a significant deal.
Plot and Whodunnit Genre
Details about the specific plot of Wake Up Dead Man remain largely under wraps. What we do know is that the film will once again feature Daniel Craig’s southern detective Benoit Blanc tackling his “most dangerous case yet”.
The title itself draws inspiration from a U2 song, continuing Johnson’s pattern of musical references after Glass Onion (a Beatles reference). Like its predecessors, the film continues in the tradition of Agatha Christie-style murder mysteries, reimagined for contemporary audiences.
Johnson’s approach to the whodunnit genre has been characterized by sharp social commentary, unexpected twists, and a blend of comedy with genuine mystery elements. Each film has featured a completely new setting and cast of suspects, with Blanc as the consistent through-line.
The standalone nature of each mystery allows new viewers to enjoy Wake Up Dead Man without necessarily having seen the previous films.
Cast and Characters
Daniel Craig returns as the brilliantly eccentric detective Benoit Blanc, the only recurring character from previous entries. The film features another impressive ensemble cast including Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Glenn Close, and Cailee Spaeny.
Additional cast members include Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church, and Josh O’Connor. This continues Johnson’s tradition of assembling diverse, multi-generational talent for his mysteries.
While character details remain scarce, Johnson’s previous films suggest each actor will portray a distinct personality with potential motives and secrets. The dynamic between these characters typically drives both the mystery and comedy elements.
Unlike previous entries which featured Ana de Armas and Janelle Monáe in prominent roles, Wake Up Dead Man introduces an entirely new set of suspects for Blanc to investigate.
Production and Direction
Rian Johnson returns as both writer and director, maintaining his creative control over the series he created. Johnson’s long-time collaborator Ram Bergman serves as producer, while his cousin Nathan Johnson is expected to compose the musical score.
Filming locations have included London, though other filming sites have been kept relatively private. Johnson’s distinctive visual style, featuring rich production design and careful composition, continues to define the series’ aesthetic.
The title’s connection to U2’s song “Wake Up Dead Man” suggests potential thematic elements, following Johnson’s pattern of meaningful musical references. Budget details haven’t been disclosed, but the film likely maintains the substantial production values established in Glass Onion.
Johnson’s approach to filmmaking combines classic mystery elements with modern sensibilities, creating films that both honor and reinvent the whodunnit tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Viewers eagerly await the return of Detective Benoit Blanc in the third Knives Out film. Many details about the movie’s release, cast, and plot are generating curiosity among fans.
What is the expected release date for ‘Knives Out 3’ on Netflix?
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is coming to Netflix globally in 2025. More specifically, the film is scheduled for release in Fall 2025.
The movie has already completed filming, which wrapped up in August 2024, giving the production team ample time for post-production work.
Who are the cast members featured in ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’?
The cast for “Wake Up Dead Man” includes Daniel Craig returning as the famous detective Benoit Blanc. The film was shot in London, England, which suggests a potential UK setting for the mystery.
Full cast details have not been completely revealed, but previous Knives Out films featured ensemble casts of notable actors. Each film brings together a new group of suspects for Blanc to investigate.
Can you provide an overview of the plot for the third Knives Out film?
The plot details for “Wake Up Dead Man” remain largely under wraps. However, it has been described as Benoit Blanc’s most dangerous case yet.
Like previous films in the series, viewers can expect an intricate murder mystery with unexpected twists and social commentary. Director Rian Johnson has maintained secrecy around specific plot elements.
Will Daniel Craig reprise his role as Benoit Blanc in the new Knives Out movie?
Yes, Daniel Craig will return as Detective Benoit Blanc in “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” This marks his third appearance as the character with the distinctive Southern accent.
Craig’s portrayal of Blanc has become a signature role following his time as James Bond. His return ensures continuity in the franchise while the supporting cast changes with each new mystery.
How can viewers watch ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ upon its release?
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” will premiere on Netflix. The streaming platform has secured the rights to release the film globally.
Director Rian Johnson has expressed hopes for theatrical release as well, but Netflix will be the primary distribution platform for viewers to enjoy the film.
Has the third installment of the Knives Out series been confirmed for release in the second half of 2025?
Yes, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is officially confirmed for release in Fall 2025. This places it firmly in the second half of the year.
The film had a substantial production budget, reportedly spending $192 million gross ($151.8 million net) through September 2024. This significant investment suggests Netflix’s confidence in the third installment of this popular mystery series.
