‘Wake Up Dead Man’: Netflix Confirms Release Date for Third Knives Out Film with Daniel Craig

Mystery fans, rejoice: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery finally has a release date. Netflix confirmed during its Tudum promotional event that the third installment of Rian Johnson’s acclaimed whodunit franchise will debut on December 12, 2025. The long-awaited sequel marks the return of Daniel Craig as the Southern-drawling, donut-loving detective Benoit Blanc, along with a fresh all-star cast.

Directed and written by Rian Johnson, Wake Up Dead Man follows two highly successful predecessors—Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022)—both of which turned the murder mystery genre into modern blockbusters. This latest chapter, produced by Johnson and Ram Bergman through their T-Street Productions, is expected to deliver more suspense, signature satire, and unpredictable twists.

A Killer Ensemble Cast

As is tradition for the franchise, Wake Up Dead Man boasts a star-studded ensemble. The cast includes Josh O’Connor (Challengers, The Crown), Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla, Civil War), Josh Brolin (Dune, Avengers: Endgame), Andrew Scott (Ripley, Fleabag), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Mila Kunis (Luckiest Girl Alive), Kerry Washington (Scandal), Glenn Close (Hillbilly Elegy) and Thomas Haden Church (Spider-Man 3).

This third film wrapped production in August 2024 and has since been tightly under wraps. While plot details remain scarce, Netflix’s teaser during Tudum hinted at a darker, more intense tone than previous installments—aligning with the ominous title Wake Up Dead Man.

Blanc Is Back: What We Know So Far

Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Benoit Blanc in Knives Out has become an iconic fixture in the modern mystery landscape. With his southern charm and razor-sharp intellect, Blanc has solved crimes involving dysfunctional families, tech billionaires, and socialites. Wake Up Dead Man on Netflix promises to place him in yet another high-stakes setting.

Fans of Knives Out and Glass Onion can expect more layered storytelling, satirical commentary, and Johnson’s signature puzzle-box plots. Netflix’s $450 million deal with Johnson for two sequels to Knives Out underscores the streamer’s belief in the franchise’s cultural and commercial value.

 

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A Global Phenomenon

Daniel Craig’s The Knives Out series has not only redefined the murder mystery genre for a new generation, but also become a global streaming phenomenon. Both earlier films were praised for their clever writing, intricate plots, and commentary on class, wealth, and deception. The franchise also received multiple awards and nominations, including an Oscar nod for Best Original Screenplay for Johnson’s first installment.

With its December 12 premiere date, Wake Up Dead Man is poised to dominate the end-of-year streaming charts, just in time for awards season buzz and cozy mystery binge-watching.