The release date for the third installment in the Knives Out series has been confirmed, but the movie will have a notably brief presence in cinemas. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is scheduled to premiere on November 26, yet it will only be shown in theaters for two weeks, despite director Rian Johnson’s efforts to secure a longer run. This limited window contrasts with expectations and previous release strategies in the franchise.
Rian Johnson’s Desire for a Wider Theater Presence
Johnson has expressed a strong preference for the film to reach audiences in theaters for an extended period.
“I want this in as many theaters for as long as possible,”
Johnson told Business Insider. He also stated,
“We’re going to push for everything we can get in terms of theatrical because I want as many people as possible to see it in that form.”
Nevertheless, the movie’s release plan remains confined to just two weeks on the big screen.
Comparison to Previous Franchise Releases
The franchise’s last film, Glass Onion, had an unconventional distribution method. It was shown in theaters for one week in November 2023 before its debut on Netflix a month later, marking a rare early theatrical release for the streaming platform. However, it is unclear whether Wake Up Dead Man will adopt a similar release approach, with Netflix yet to confirm its strategy for the sequel.
Glass Onion stood out for being the first Netflix title screened across the three largest U.S. theater chains—AMC Theaters, Regal Cinemas, and Cinemark—while the original Knives Out premiered exclusively in theaters in 2019. This marks a shifting landscape for how these films reach viewers in theaters and online.
Star-Studded Cast Returns Alongside Daniel Craig
Returning to his role as detective Benoit Blanc, Daniel Craig leads a new ensemble cast that includes Josh O’Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, and Andrew Scott. These actors bring fresh energy to the mystery, which promises to continue the series’ intricate storytelling and dark humor.
Upcoming Release Schedule and Streaming Plans
Wake Up Dead Man will be available in theaters starting November 26 and is set to arrive on Netflix less than a month later, on December 12. Fans anticipating the film can plan to catch it either on the big screen or via streaming shortly after. The limited theatrical release underscores ongoing changes in how major films, particularly those linked to streaming platforms, balance cinema runs with digital premieres.
