Josh O’Connor has opened up about his experience working with Daniel Craig on the highly anticipated Wake Up Dead Man, revealing a striking contrast between Craig’s real personality and his legendary James Bond character. As Wake Up Dead Man debuts in cinemas, O’Connor’s comments shed new light on the dynamic behind the scenes and offer fresh insight into the evolution of Craig’s career, making the film’s release all the more intriguing for fans of the Knives Out franchise and those drawn to the Wake Up Dead Man storyline.
Daniel Craig Returns as Benoit Blanc
Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man, the third entry in the acclaimed Knives Out series, has now been released in theaters worldwide. Daniel Craig reprises his role as the eccentric detective Benoit Blanc, further distancing himself from his days as the iconic spy James Bond—a part he left behind with his final performance in No Time to Die in 2021.
Craig’s portrayal of Benoit Blanc, which started with the original Knives Out, has become instantly recognizable among film audiences, marking a clear shift in his career trajectory. Wake Up Dead Man introduces a fresh cast of characters, including Josh O’Connor, who takes on the role of Jud Duplenticy, a young priest entangled in the film’s central mystery.
Josh O’Connor Shares How He Joined the Project
During an interview for Radio Times, Josh O’Connor shared that Daniel Craig played a critical role in his casting for Wake Up Dead Man. According to O’Connor, it was Craig who first drew director Rian Johnson’s attention to his work, effectively paving the way for O’Connor’s entry into the Knives Out universe.
“Daniel is a really incredible human being,”
Josh O’Connor, Actor
“I didn’t know that until yesterday, actually, and it’s a big deal.”
Josh O’Connor, Actor
O’Connor emphasized the significance of Craig’s support, calling it a meaningful moment in his own journey as an actor. He attributed his place in the ensemble largely to Craig’s advocacy.
Daniel Craig’s Off-Screen Persona Surprises Co-Stars
Describing his experience on set, O’Connor expressed admiration for Craig’s talents beyond the world of Bond, noting the sheer range the actor brings to the screen. While many may link Craig closely with the suave and stoic James Bond, O’Connor painted a very different picture of his co-star’s real-life demeanor.
“And as a person, he’s just a pure collaborator – incredibly full of self-doubt and self-loathing and not knowing whether he’s doing the right thing and constantly saying to me, ‘What do you think about that?’”
Josh O’Connor, Actor
“But that’s not him at all. He’s like a boy. He’s sort of this sweet, insecure man who is incredibly charming and brings you in. He’s brilliant. I loved working with him.”
Josh O’Connor, Actor
O’Connor pointed out that the confidence Craig brings to James Bond contrasts sharply with the vulnerability and openness he displays on set. These insights reveal the depth of Craig’s dedication as an actor and a collaborator, helping to deepen the understanding of his approach to challenging roles such as Benoit Blanc.
Wake Up Dead Man Receives Strong Praise
The film, also starring acclaimed talents like Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Thomas Haden Church, Kerry Washington, Daryl McCormack, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, and Mila Kunis, follows detective Benoit Blanc as he investigates the mystery surrounding the seemingly impossible murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, a charismatic priest. This latest installment continues the legacy of Knives Out as a standout in modern detective storytelling.
Wake Up Dead Man has been warmly received by critics, boasting a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The previous entries in the series also enjoyed critical success, with Knives Out achieving 97% and Glass Onion reaching 91%, further solidifying the franchise as a favorite among both fans and reviewers.
Film’s Release and What to Expect Next
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery arrived in UK cinemas and is set to premiere on Netflix on November 12. The film’s ensemble cast, led by Daniel Craig and including Josh O’Connor, brings together a mixture of dramatic and comedic talent, offering audiences a thrilling continuation of Benoit Blanc’s story. The film’s critical reception and strong ensemble suggest that the franchise could see further chapters in the future.
As audiences flock to cinemas and anticipate the Netflix release, the impact of Wake Up Dead Man is already apparent. With Craig’s memorable turn as Blanc, backed by a talented cast and O’Connor’s own breakout, the film continues to redefine expectations for the modern murder mystery while cementing Craig’s lasting versatility long after Bond.
