Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is the highly anticipated third chapter in Rian Johnson’s hit murder-mystery franchise. Daniel Craig returns as the brilliant and eccentric detective Benoit Blanc, ready to face a case that is darker, stranger, and far more dangerous than anything he has solved before. The film arrives in select theaters on November 26, 2025, and begins streaming on Netflix on December 12, 2025.
A Darker and More Gothic Mystery
This time, Blanc steps into a world shaped by secrets, faith, and fear. The story begins with the shocking death of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, a respected church figure who walks into a sealed concrete room during a sermon and is later found dead inside. The bizarre scene sets off a web of lies and tensions that ripple through the small community.
Blanc quickly discovers that the church and its members hold long-buried secrets. Every clue pushes him deeper into a twisted moral puzzle. The tone is moodier and more gothic, marking a bold shift from the previous films. Yet the trademark humor, sharp writing, and layered storytelling remain intact.
A Stellar Ensemble Cast
The movie features one of the most impressive casts in the franchise so far. Alongside Daniel Craig, the ensemble includes Josh O’Connor as a young priest pulled into the investigation and Josh Brolin as the late Monsignor Wicks. The cast also features Mila Kunis, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, Cailee Spaeny, and more. Every character brings motive, tension, and personality, keeping the mystery alive at every turn.
Why Fans Are Excited
Rian Johnson promises that this is “Blanc’s most dangerous case yet.” The film blends old-school whodunit charm with a fresh, haunting tone. Its gothic setting, unpredictable twists, and powerhouse cast create a gripping experience from start to finish. As always, the fun lies in watching Blanc piece together chaos with style, wit, and an eye for truth.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is set to be one of the biggest releases of the year, offering suspense, humor, and a bold new direction for the beloved franchise.
