‘Wake Up Dead Man’: Everything We Know About the New Knives Out Mystery

Benoit Blanc is back. Daniel Craig returns as the world’s most charming detective in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the highly anticipated third film in Rian Johnson’s murder-mystery franchise. After a limited theatrical run beginning November 26, the movie will officially stream on Netflix on December 12, 2025.

The film follows the massive success of Knives Out and Glass Onion, after Netflix secured rights to two sequels in a deal reportedly worth $400 million. Since filming wrapped in August 2024, excitement has been fueled by teasers, cast reveals, and promises that this story features Blanc’s “most dangerous case yet.”

A Star-Studded Cast

Daniel Craig reprises his role as detective Benoit Blanc, continuing the anthology structure in which each film presents a new ensemble cast and setting.

The Wake Up Dead Man cast includes:

• Josh Brolin

• Mila Kunis

• Josh O’Connor

• Andrew Scott

• Kerry Washington

• Jeremy Renner

• Cailee Spaeny

• Daryl McCormack

• Thomas Haden Church

For many fans, the biggest surprise addition is Glenn Close, who called filming the movie:

“One of the best experiences of my life… Rian Johnson is brilliant and kind. He created a cast from heaven.”

Plot: Benoit Blanc Takes on “the Impossible Crime”

According to Netflix’s official logline, Blanc works with an earnest young priest to solve a mysterious death inside a small-town church with a troubled past. Themes of religion, morality, guilt and community power structures shape the narrative.

Writer-director Rian Johnson said the religious backdrop offered rich creative depth:

“Themes of guilt, mystery, morality and fallible humanity feel right at home in a church.”

The teaser trailer, released in November 2025, shows Blanc confronting what he calls the “holy grail” of mysteries, trying to untangle the murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Brolin.

Netflix previously released a shorter teaser in May 2025, generating viral excitement among fans of the franchise.

Will There Be a Knives Out 4?

While Netflix has not announced a fourth film, Johnson says he’s ready to continue if the storytelling stays inventive.

“If each one can be something exciting and different, I’ll keep making them as long as Daniel and I are having a good time,” he told Variety.

Craig agreed, joking that the franchise will continue “only if audiences genuinely enjoy them — otherwise, forget it.”

Release Details

With a gripping setting, a powerhouse ensemble and Johnson’s signature storytelling style, Wake Up Dead Man is already positioned as a major streaming event to close out 2025.