Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc in Wake Up Dead Man A Knives Out Mystery, the third film in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed Knives Out franchise. The thriller will first hit select theaters in the United States for a two-week run starting November 26 2025, before premiering on Netflix on December 12 2025.
Netflix officially confirmed the news with a new poster showing Blanc and the ensemble cast peering into a grave, teasing a dark gothic murder mystery. The tagline promises: “Not all secrets can stay buried.”
Theatrical and streaming release dates
- In theaters: November 26 2025 (limited release across select US cinemas)
- On Netflix: December 12 2025 (global streaming debut)
This marks the first time in the Knives Out series that a film will enjoy an exclusive theatrical window before streaming.
Plot details of Wake Up Dead Man
Daniel Craig reprises his role as private investigator Benoit Blanc, who is set to solve his “most dangerous case yet.” The story follows Blanc teaming up with local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) after a chilling and seemingly impossible murder shakes a small town.
Key cast members include:
- Josh O’Connor as young priest Jud Duplenticy
- Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks
- Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix
- Thomas Haden Church as groundskeeper Samson Holt
- Kerry Washington as lawyer Vera Draven
- Daryl McCormack as politician Cy Draven
- Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp
- Andrew Scott as author Lee Ross
- Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane
The eerie setup and gothic undertones promise a darker turn compared to the previous Knives Out films.
Why fans are excited
The Knives Out franchise has become a modern favorite among murder mystery fans, blending clever storytelling with an ensemble cast. With Wake Up Dead Man, Rian Johnson promises a more sinister and complex mystery, keeping audiences hooked until the very end.