After redefining the modern whodunit with Knives Out and pushing the genre into bold, satirical territory with Glass Onion, filmmaker Rian Johnson is back with Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery—the highly anticipated third chapter in Netflix’s blockbuster mystery franchise. Slated for release in late 2025, the film promises a sharper, more ominous turn for the series, while staying true to the clever storytelling that made it a cultural phenomenon.
Once again, Daniel Craig returns as the unmistakable Southern gentleman-detective Benoit Blanc, a role that has evolved into one of the most iconic sleuths of the modern era. But this time, Blanc is stepping into unfamiliar territory. According to officially released details, Wake Up Dead Man centers on a grim and morally complex murder case tied to a small religious community in New England—marking the darkest and most introspective mystery Blanc has faced so far.
Johnson, who both writes and directs the film, has described the project as a tonal shift from the flamboyant excess of Glass Onion. While humor remains a key ingredient, Wake Up Dead Man leans heavily into atmosphere, ethical tension, and the psychological weight of truth. The title itself—borrowed from a song by U2—hints at themes of guilt, reckoning, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.
The ensemble cast is stacked with awards-season talent and fan favorites, including Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, and Josh O’Connor. As with previous entries, character details are being kept tightly under wraps—a deliberate move that has only fueled speculation across U.S. entertainment media.
Behind the scenes, Johnson reunites with longtime producing partner Ram Bergman, while composer Nathan Johnson returns to craft a score expected to blend classic mystery sensibilities with a darker, more haunting edge.
Netflix plans to give Wake Up Dead Man a prestige rollout, including a world premiere at a major international film festival, followed by a limited theatrical release before its global streaming debut in December 2025. The strategy mirrors the successful release model of Glass Onion, reinforcing Netflix’s commitment to positioning the Knives Out films as cinematic events—not just streaming titles.
As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: Wake Up Dead Man is not just another sequel. It represents an evolution of the franchise—one that challenges its beloved detective, deepens its thematic ambition, and proves that the whodunit still has plenty of sharp turns left. For Benoit Blanc, the game is far from over… but the stakes have never been higher. 🎬