Unraveling the Impossible: Everything We Know About "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery"
The master of modern whodunits, Rian Johnson, is set to captivate audiences once again with the highly anticipated third installment in the Knives Out franchise, titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by the inimitable Daniel Craig, returns to untangle what promises to be his most perplexing case yet. This standalone sequel is slated for a grand premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2025, before its global release on Netflix in December 2025.
Benoit Blanc's Darkest Challenge Yet
Rian Johnson has hinted that Wake Up Dead Man will offer a tonally and thematically distinct experience compared to its predecessors, Knives Out and Glass Onion. The central mystery revolves around an "impossible crime" – an event so baffling it's almost perceived as a miracle. However, for the rationalist Benoit Blanc, it's simply another murder waiting to be solved. This new Benoit Blanc Mystery will see the Southern super-sleuth embark on a significant personal journey, engaging with the enigma in an entirely new way. Early indications suggest a plot steeped in themes of religion, reputation, and resurrection, promising a darker and more intricate narrative.
A Star-Studded Ensemble to Die For
True to the Knives Out tradition, Wake Up Dead Man boasts an impressive, star-studded cast alongside Daniel Craig. Joining the ensemble are a host of acclaimed actors, each bringing their unique talent to the intricate web of suspects and characters:
- Josh O'Connor as Rev. Jud Duplenticy, who will reportedly partner with Blanc on this perplexing case.
- Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix, a powerful matriarch with hidden secrets.
- Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, another clergyman involved in the mystery.
- Mila Kunis as Geraldine Scott, potentially playing a sheriff.
- Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp.
- Kerry Washington as Vera Draven.
- Andrew Scott as Lee Ross.
- Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane.
- Daryl McCormack as Cy Draven.
- Thomas Haden Church as Samson Holt.
This powerhouse lineup ensures a captivating dynamic and plenty of red herrings for audiences to dissect.
Key Takeaways for Mystery Fans
- Release Dates: Catch the world premiere at TIFF on September 6, 2025, or stream it globally on Netflix starting December 12, 2025.
- A New Tone: Expect a darker, more complex mystery that challenges Benoit Blanc on a personal level.
- "Impossible Crime": The central premise revolves around a seemingly miraculous event that Blanc must uncover as a murder.
- Ensemble Cast: A fantastic new roster of stars joins Daniel Craig, promising compelling performances and intriguing character dynamics.
As the release dates approach, anticipation continues to build for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Get ready to put your detective skills to the test and join Benoit Blanc in unraveling this impossible crime, exclusively on Netflix.