Netflix has officially set the date for Rian Johnson‘s third Knives Out movie premiere on Netflix, titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, with the film arriving December 12. Returning detective Benoit Blanc, played again by Daniel Craig, is featured in a teaser that unveils brief glimpses and the highly anticipated release date, fueling interest in the next chapter of Johnson’s murder mystery series.
What to Expect from Wake Up Dead Man
The trailer teases a murder taking place in a church, hinting at spiritual themes and possibly miraculous events tied to the crime. Daniel Craig reprises his role as Benoit Blanc, who states,
“But it’s just a murder. And I solve murders,”
suggesting he will confront a case with unusual circumstances. Some viewers might find Craig’s new hair style as surprising as the mystery itself, although it is likely to be less of a distraction in the full feature.
Netflix Offers Few Clues, Builds Anticipation
Netflix remains secretive regarding the film’s plot, revealing little beyond a short statement:
“Benoit Blanc returns for his most dangerous case yet.”
—Netflix representative
The streaming service is keeping further story details tightly under wraps, increasing anticipation for what could be Benoit Blanc’s most challenging investigation. The only solid details come from fleeting scenes in the teaser and speculation about the film’s religious overtones, as suggested by character titles like Monsignor and Reverend played by Josh Brolin and Josh O’Connor.
Cast of Notable Stars Joins the Murder Mystery
Wake Up Dead Man assembles an ensemble of acclaimed actors including Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Josh O’Connor, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church. Notably, Brolin and O’Connor are cast as religious figures, while Kunis takes on the role of a police officer, expanding the series’ tradition of prominent and diverse supporting roles. Daniel Craig leads these new and returning faces in a setting that spins together spiritual, criminal, and dramatic elements.
Cultural and Musical References Shaping the Atmosphere
The film’s title, Wake Up Dead Man, shares its name with a U2 song noted for spiritual undertones, and the teaser’s soundtrack features Ralph Stanley’s rendition of “O Death,” connected to the Brothers Coen’s O Brother, Where Art Thou. The religious motifs are amplified by character assignments and musical choices, hinting at an atmospheric, multi-layered mystery that draws from both cinematic and musical influences.
Next Steps for Fans and the Series
With Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out movie premiere on Netflix nearing, fans of the murder mystery series eagerly await December 12 for the full unveiling. As Netflix maintains silence on specific plot points, speculation about the church setting and star-studded cast continues to build. The significance of the spiritual backdrop and the assembly of diverse talent promise a thrilling continuation in Johnson’s acclaimed Knives Out saga, with Benoit Blanc facing perhaps his most formidable case yet.
