First look: Knives Out 3: Wake Up Dead Man

The enigmatic, suave and intuitive detective Benoit Blanc is set to return in the highly anticipated third instalment of the Knives Out series, officially titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.

Directed by Brick and Looper helmsman Rian Johnson, this film promises to deliver another intricate and star-studded whodunit that will no doubt thrill fans of the franchise.

Cast: Who’s going to be in it?

The always excellent Daniel Craig reprises his role as the astute sleuth with the Cajun-influenced southern drawl, Monsieur Blanc. And he’s set to do so while leading yet another impressive ensemble cast packed full of big stars…

Joining the line-up are acclaimed actors Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction), Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men), Jeremy Renner (Wind River), Kerry Washington (Scandal), Andrew Scott (Ripley), Josh O’Connor (Challengers), Cailee Spaeny (Alien: Romulus), Mila Kunis (Black Swan), Daryl McCormack (Bad Sisters) and Thomas Haden Church (Sideways).

This talented bunch is poised to bring a new array of intriguing characters to life, each harbouring secrets that Blanc must unravel. The biggest question he’ll have to ask himself, of course, is: who is the killer…?

So, what’s the plot?

Given that the film’s release isn’t imminent, specific plot details remain tightly under wraps at this stage.

Leaked photos from the shoot show Josh O’Connor as a young vicar, with scenes filmed in a village church. So, we anticipate that religion will be involved somehow

Could there be a clue subtly hidden in the title? ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ is also the name of a 1997 song by U2. In the song, Bono is pleading with God to come down to Earth and sort out our failing planet. Okay, so, admittedly, that doesn’t tell us much either.

Whatever happens, fans are guaranteed another clever mystery filled with unexpected twists and turns, characteristic of Johnson’s storytelling style.

Are we going to find out a little more about Benoit Blanc’s private life?

The Knives Out series has gradually peeled back layers of Benoit Blanc’s enigmatic persona and background. In Glass Onion, not-so-subtle hints about his personal life emerged, including a cameo from a famous face suggesting a rather significant relationship.

Rian Johnson explains: “They’re a couple. His name is Phillip. I just basically thought who would give me the most joy for Benoit Blanc to be with, and I thought Hugh Grant. He was such a joy to be with, he came to set for one day, did that one disconnected scene and trusted us to put it in the movie. I don’t know if I see him as the Watson to Blanc’s Sherlock, but it’s good to have separate things. Plus, that apartment is so nice, I can’t imagine Blanc can afford it, so I think Phillip has a real job.”

While specific revelations about Blanc’s private life in Wake Up Dead Man have not been disclosed, both Craig and Johnson have expressed interest in exploring the detective’s background a little more. This instalment may offer deeper insights into what drives Blanc, both professionally and at home.

What do we know about production?

Production for Wake Up Dead Man took place between June and August 2024, with principal photography taking place in London.

The film is slated for a 2025 release on Netflix, following the streaming giant’s acquisition of the franchise rights in a lucrative $465 million deal.

What are the cast and crew saying about it?

Plenty of those involved have shared their enthusiasm about working on the third film in the popular series.

Glenn Close described the experience as “truly one of the best experiences of my life,” highlighting the camaraderie among the ensemble cast.

Josh Brolin was quick to enthuse about how much fun the project has been to work on, saying, “It’s one of my favourite jobs that I’ve ever had.” The Oldboy actor also praised the script. “I read it and I was just like, ‘God, this is so well written. We just don’t read things like this anymore,'” he told a New York Comic Con audience last year.

Director Rian Johnson emphasised his excitement for the project, stating, “I love everything about whodunits, but one of the things I love most is how malleable the genre is.”

When asked about the film, star Daniel Craig took the chance to urge decision-makers behind the scenes to ensure that Knives Out 3 gets a cinematic release. “The people I speak to… all they want to do is take their families and go see it at the cinemas,” the former 007 told Variety. “That’s all they want to do. Hopefully we can give them that experience.”

Okay. But when’s it coming out…?

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is scheduled for release on Netflix in autumn 2025. While an exact release date is yet to be announced, the film is expected to follow a similar release pattern to its predecessors, potentially featuring – if Daniel Craig gets his way – a limited theatrical run prior to its streaming debut.

For now, we fans of the film series must eagerly await the return of Benoit Blanc and what could well be his most challenging case yet…

Will you be tuning in to the third film in the Knives Out series? Let us know in the comments below…