Slated for release on Netflix on December 12, 2025, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery marks the third chapter in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed Knives Out franchise, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as the suave Southern detective Benoit Blanc. Following the success of Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022), this standalone sequel has already sparked intense buzz, with its world premiere set for the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 and an opening night gala at the BFI London Film Festival in October. Boasting an A-list ensemble including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church, the film promises a darker, gothic-toned mystery described by Blanc himself as his “most dangerous case yet.” With Johnson’s signature wit, unpredictable twists, and a stellar cast, Wake Up Dead Man is poised to continue the franchise’s winning streak. Here’s why this electrifying whodunit is a must-watch.

A Dark and Intriguing New Case

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery sees Benoit Blanc diving into what he calls an “impossible crime,” set against a gothic backdrop that diverges from the sunlit excess of Glass Onion and aligns more with the moody intrigue of the original Knives Out. While plot details remain tightly guarded, teasers hint at a murder mystery steeped in religious imagery, possibly centered in a church or cathedral, with O’Connor and Brolin playing priests (Rev. Jud Duplenticy and Msgr. Jefferson Wicks) and Kunis as a police constable. The film’s title, drawn from a 1997 U2 song, and its trailer—featuring Blanc in a trenchcoat navigating a shadowy cemetery—suggest a morally complex, perhaps supernatural-tinged puzzle that leans into Edgar Allan Poe’s gothic roots, predating Agatha Christie’s influence, as Johnson revealed in a Rolling Stone interview.

This shift to a grounded, darker tone sets Wake Up Dead Man apart, promising fresh stakes for Blanc and a new ensemble of suspects with hidden motives. The anthology-style format ensures a standalone story, free from Glass Onion’s baggage, making it accessible for newcomers while rewarding longtime fans with Johnson’s knack for subverting whodunit tropes. Early X posts praise the “biblical” and “eerie” vibe, with fans speculating about a supernatural twist, making this a mystery that demands attention.

Cinematic Flair and Gothic Atmosphere

Rian Johnson, who writes, directs, and produces alongside Ram Bergman via T-Street, crafts a visually striking experience, with filming wrapped in London by August 2024. First-look images from Netflix’s Tudum 2025 event show Blanc in a brown trenchcoat and dark sunglasses, a departure from his ascot-wearing persona, set against a cathedral’s ominous glow. The gothic aesthetic, inspired by Poe, infuses the film with a moody, atmospheric edge, from misty graveyards to candlelit interiors, contrasting the vibrant excess of Glass Onion’s Greek island. Cinematography, likely by Steve Yedlin (a Johnson regular), promises to amplify the suspense with shadowy visuals and intricate framing, as seen in prior installments.

The film’s 2-hour-20-minute runtime, per IMDb, allows for a layered mystery, with Johnson’s meticulous pacing and clever misdirection keeping viewers guessing. While some X users worry the gothic tone might overshadow the franchise’s humor, Johnson’s track record suggests a balance of wit and tension, with Blanc’s quirky deductions anchoring the drama. For fans of visually immersive thrillers like The Others or Crimson Peak, Wake Up Dead Man offers a feast of gothic splendor and cinematic craft.

A Star-Studded Ensemble and Blanc’s Charm

Daniel Craig shines as Benoit Blanc, the quick-witted detective whose Southern drawl and theatrical flair have made him a modern icon. His new look—longer hair, blue-tinted shades—hints at a more pensive Blanc, grappling with his most perilous case. The ensemble is a murderer’s row of talent: Josh O’Connor (Challengers) and Josh Brolin (Dune) as enigmatic priests, Mila Kunis as a sharp constable, Jeremy Renner (Avengers) as a medical professional, and Kerry Washington (Scandal) in a yet-unnamed role. Andrew Scott (Fleabag), Cailee Spaeny (Civil War), Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction), Daryl McCormack (Peaky Blinders), and Thomas Haden Church (Sideways) round out the suspects, with Spaeny’s Simone Vivane rumored to be a potential victim.

Glenn Close called filming in London “one of the best experiences of my life,” praising Johnson’s “wonderful team” and Craig’s leadership. The cast’s chemistry, evident in Tudum event photos, promises the charismatic interplay that defined Knives Out’s Thrombey family and Glass Onion’s disruptors. Blanc’s personal life, teased in Glass Onion with Hugh Grant’s cameo, may deepen, adding emotional stakes to his sleuthing. For fans of ensemble-driven mysteries, this cast delivers a masterclass in suspicion and star power.

A Franchise Hit with High Expectations

While pre-release metrics like viewership and Rotten Tomatoes scores are unavailable, the Knives Out franchise’s track record—$312 million for the first film and critical acclaim for Glass Onion—sets a high bar. Netflix’s $400 million deal for two sequels underscores confidence in Johnson’s vision, though Craig and Johnson have expressed frustration with Netflix’s limited theatrical runs, with Craig advocating for a wider cinema release. X posts reflect feverish anticipation, with fans calling it a “TIFF highlight” and “Oscar contender,” though some caution against repetitive twists. The film’s festival premieres and gothic pivot suggest awards potential, especially for Craig and Close.

The franchise’s anthology format keeps each mystery fresh, and Johnson’s openness to more Blanc adventures—potentially beyond Netflix—fuels excitement for future cases. Its blend of humor, suspense, and social commentary, paired with a PG-13 rating, ensures broad appeal for fans of Clue or Death on the Nile.

Why You Should Watch

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is a thrilling evolution of the Knives Out saga, blending Daniel Craig’s magnetic Benoit Blanc with a gothic, Poe-inspired whodunit that promises twists and star-studded intrigue. Rian Johnson’s sharp direction, paired with a jaw-dropping cast and haunting visuals, makes this a standout for 2025. Whether you’re a Knives Out devotee or a newcomer craving a clever mystery, this film delivers wit, suspense, and surprises. With premieres at TIFF and BFI London fueling Oscar buzz, it’s a cinematic event not to miss. Stream it on Netflix December 12, or catch it in select theaters—grab your trenchcoat and join Blanc for his most dangerous case yet.