Netflix and Lionsgate have officially launched the first thrilling trailer for 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery', giving audiences an exciting glimpse into detective Benoit Blanc's most challenging case yet. The highly anticipated third installment in Rian Johnson's celebrated mystery franchise brings back Daniel Craig as the famously eccentric investigator, this time diving into a complex web of secrets within a closed religious community.
Star-Studded Cast and Compelling Plot
The newly unveiled trailer introduces viewers to a powerful ensemble cast led by Daniel Craig returning as the brilliant detective Benoit Blanc. This time, Blanc finds himself investigating a mysterious death within a tight-knit religious parish filled with hidden rivalries and unspoken sins. The trailer reveals Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, a charismatic priest who commands near-reverential devotion from his congregation.
When a sudden death shatters the community's peaceful existence, Benoit Blanc must navigate through a complicated network of loyalties and simmering tensions to uncover the truth. The investigation becomes particularly focused on Rev. Jud Duplenticy, portrayed by Josh O'Connor, whose suspicious behavior and evasive answers immediately raise red flags among parish members.
Impressive Ensemble and Character Details
The film boasts an extraordinary cast that includes multiple award-winning actors. Glenn Close appears as Martha Delacroix, Wicks' trusted confidante, while Mila Kunis plays Geraldine Scott, the local police chief drawn into the unfolding mystery. Jeremy Renner joins as Dr Nat Sharp, the community physician, with Kerry Washington portraying Vera Draven, a high-strung lawyer involved in the case.
Additional cast members include Andrew Scott as bestselling author Lee Ross, Cailee Spaeny as disabled former concert cellist Simone Vivane, and Daryl McCormack as aspiring politician Cy Draven. Thomas Haden Church appears as the cautious groundskeeper Samson Holt, while Jeffrey Wright plays Bishop Langstrom, the cleric responsible for assigning Duplenticy to Wicks' parish.
Release Schedule and Critical Reception
'Wake Up Dead Man' made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, where it received strong positive reviews from critics. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on November 26, 2025, before becoming available for global streaming on Netflix starting December 12, 2025.
Early reviews have praised the film as the most atmospheric and emotionally complex entry in the Knives Out series yet. Critics are particularly impressed with the film's ability to maintain the franchise's signature blend of sharp social commentary, intricate plotting, and character-driven mystery that has made the series a global phenomenon.
Knives Out Franchise Legacy
Since its initial release in 2019, the Knives Out franchise has revolutionized the modern mystery genre, bringing classic whodunnit storytelling back into mainstream popularity. The original film became both a commercial success and critical favorite, with Daniel Craig's portrayal of Benoit Blanc quickly earning a place among cinema's most beloved detectives.
The success continued with 2022's 'Glass Onion', which expanded the series' reach with its larger ensemble cast, luxurious setting, and sharp commentary on wealth and technology elites. With 'Wake Up Dead Man', the franchise continues to demonstrate the enduring appeal of well-crafted ensemble mysteries while pushing the boundaries of the genre.
The film promises to deliver another compelling chapter in Benoit Blanc's evolving legacy, combining the series' trademark clever writing with fresh new characters and settings that will keep audiences guessing until the very end.
