Wake Up Dead Man Release Date, Cast, Storyline, Trailer Release, And Everything You Need to Know
The highly anticipated third installment in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed Knives Out franchise is on its way, promising another intriguing mystery for Daniel Craig’s beloved detective Benoit Blanc to unravel. Titled “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” this new entry continues the tradition of blending clever whodunit plots with sharp social commentary and an all-star ensemble cast.
Following the massive success of 2019’s “Knives Out” and 2022’s “Glass Onion,” expectations are sky-high for this latest chapter. With Johnson again at the helm as writer and director and Craig reprising his role as the charismatic Southern sleuth, fans can look forward to more twists, turns, and quotable dialogue when “Wake Up Dead Man” premieres. Let’s dive into everything we know about this exciting upcoming mystery.
Wake Up Dead Man Release Date:
While an exact release date has not yet been announced, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is confirmed to be hitting Netflix globally sometime in 2025. This puts it roughly three years after the release of “Glass Onion,” which debuted on the streaming platform in December 2022 after a limited theatrical run.
Production on the film began in June 2024, with Rian Johnson announcing via social media that they were “about to go into production” on May 24, 2024. Given the typical production timeline for films of this scale, a late 2025 release seems likely. If the filmmakers follow the pattern set by the previous two entries, we might see “Wake Up Dead Man” arrive around the Thanksgiving holiday in the US, which falls on November 27, 2025. However, this is purely speculative, and Netflix could opt for a different release strategy.
Wake Up Dead Man Storyline:
As with previous Knives Out mysteries, plot details for “Wake Up Dead Man” are being kept tightly under wraps. We know the film will feature Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc again, tackling a new case with a fresh set of characters and suspects.
In a brief teaser released to announce the film’s title, Blanc’s voice describes this as his “most dangerous case yet.” This tantalizing tidbit suggests that our intrepid detective’s stakes may be higher than ever. The teaser also prominently featured an image of a coffin, hinting that death will again be at the center of the mystery.
Rian Johnson has spoken about his love for the malleability of the whodunit genre, citing influences from John Dickson Carr to Agatha Christie. He’s expressed excitement about exploring different tones and styles within the framework of these Benoit Blanc mysteries. With “Wake Up Dead Man,” we can likely expect Johnson to push the boundaries of the genre even further, potentially taking the series in a darker or more difficult direction while maintaining the wit and social satire that have become hallmarks of the franchise.
Wake Up Dead Man List of Cast Members:
As with previous entries in the series, “Wake Up Dead Man” boasts an impressive ensemble cast of acclaimed actors. Here’s the confirmed list of cast members so far:
- Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc
- Josh O’Connor
- Glenn Close
- Josh Brolin
- Mila Kunis
- Jeremy Renner
- Kerry Washington
- Andrew Scott
- Cailee Spaeny
- Daryl McCormack
- Thomas Haden Church
While we know Daniel Craig will return as Detective Benoit Blanc, specific roles for the other cast members have not yet been revealed. This star-studded lineup promises another round of memorable characters and potential suspects for Blanc to interrogate.
Wake Up Dead Man Creators Team:
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At the helm of “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is the creative team that has made the franchise successful. Here’s a breakdown of the key players behind the scenes:
Writer/Director: Rian Johnson returns to write and direct the third installment. Johnson’s unique vision and clever scripting have been integral to the series’ success, and fans can expect his trademark wit and narrative twists to be on full display once again.
Producers: Johnson also produces the film through his T-Street Productions banner alongside longtime collaborator Ram Bergman. The pair have worked together on Johnson’s features, including the previous Knives Out films. Katie McNeill joins them as a producer on this project.
Cinematographer: Steve Yedlin, who has been Johnson’s director of photography since his debut film “Brick,” is back to lens “Wake Up Dead Man.” Yedlin’s work has been crucial in establishing the visual style of the Knives Out universe.
Composer: Nathan Johnson, Rian’s cousin and frequent collaborator, is set to score the film. His music has been essential to the series’ atmosphere, blending classic mystery themes with contemporary flourishes.
This core creative team has been responsible for crafting the unique tone and style of the Knives Out franchise. Their continued involvement bodes well for maintaining the high quality and distinctive feel that fans have come to expect from these mysteries.
Where to Watch Wake Up Dead Man?
Like Glass Onion, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” will be distributed by Netflix. The streaming giant acquired the rights to two Knives Out sequels in a massive $400 million deal in 2021, securing its position as the home for Benoit Blanc’s future investigations.
Benoit Blanc returns in his most dangerous case yet. pic.twitter.com/Y3IFryNNi4
— Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (@KnivesOut) May 24, 2024
While it’s confirmed that the film will be available to stream on Netflix globally in 2025, it’s currently unclear whether there will also be a limited theatrical release. “Glass Onion” received a brief run in theaters before its streaming debut, which helped build buzz and satisfy fans who wanted to experience the mystery on the big screen. It’s possible that Netflix could employ a similar strategy for “Wake Up Dead Man,” but this has not been confirmed.
For those looking to catch up on the series before the new installment arrives, “Knives Out” is available via various digital on-demand platforms. At the same time, “Glass Onion” can be streamed exclusively on Netflix.
Wake Up Dead Man Trailer Release Date:
No official trailer release date has been announced for “Wake Up Dead Man.” Given that the film began production in June 2024, it’s likely we won’t see a full trailer until sometime in 2025, closer to the movie’s eventual release date.
However, fans have been treated to a brief teaser announcing the film’s title. This teaser, shared by Rian Johnson on social media, features Daniel Craig’s voice as Benoit Blanc describing the case as his “most dangerous yet” and an image of a coffin. While not a proper trailer, this teaser has already begun to build excitement and speculation about what dangers await Blanc in his next mystery.
As production progresses and we move into 2025, watch for more promotional materials, including posters, images, and a full trailer that will be our first honest look at the characters and setting of “Wake Up Dead Man.”
Wake Up Dead Man Final Words:
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is shaping into another thrilling entry in what has quickly become one of the most exciting modern mystery franchises. With Rian Johnson’s clever writing and direction, Daniel Craig’s charismatic performance as Benoit Blanc, and a new all-star cast to populate the suspect list, all signs point to another crowd-pleasing whodunit.
As we await more details about the plot, characters, and eventual release, fans can take comfort in knowing that the creative team behind the previous two hit films is back in full force. Whether “Wake Up Dead Man” takes us to a new exotic location or keeps things closer to home, we can be sure that Benoit Blanc will have his hands complete with what promises to be his most dangerous case yet. Mark your calendars for 2025, mystery fans – Blanc will be waking up dead men soon enough.