Director Rian Johnson and actor Daniel Craig have unveiled intriguing details about the upcoming film, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” This third installment of the “Knives Out” franchise will see Craig reprise his role as the astute detective Benoit Blanc. The film is touted as the “darkest chapter” in the trilogy, set against a backdrop of suspense and Gothic elements.
Storyline and Setting
The narrative follows Blanc as he investigates a perplexing murder in upstate New York. A good-hearted young priest, Father Jud, played by Josh O’Connor, is sent to assist the local priest, Monsignor Wicks, portrayed by Josh Brolin. Their quiet town is shaken when an unexpected murder occurs, prompting local police chief Geraldine Scott, played by Mila Kunis, to collaborate with Blanc in solving the mystery.
Release Information
- Premiere: September 6 at the Toronto International Film Festival
- Theatrical Release: November 26
- Streaming on Netflix: December 12 at 3:00 a.m. ET / 12:00 a.m. PT
Notable Cast
This film features a diverse cast, with each installment of “Knives Out” introducing new characters alongside Craig’s Blanc:
- Josh O’Connor as Jud Duplenticy
- Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks
- Mila Kunis as Geraldine Scott
- Jeremy Renner as Nat Sharp
- Kerry Washington as Vera Draven
- Andrew Scott as Lee Ross
- Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane
- Daryl McCormack as Cy Draven
- Thomas Haden Church as Samson Holt
Johnson’s Directorial Insights
Rian Johnson characterized “Wake Up Dead Man” as markedly different from its predecessor, “Glass Onion,” emphasizing its Gothic tone. He described the film as not only funny but also grounded in a rich atmospheric setting involving graveyards and an old stone church. Johnson noted the script’s complex nature, calling it the hardest he has ever tackled.
Franchise Overview
The “Knives Out” franchise began in 2019 with the original film, which is not streaming on Netflix but can be found on Prime Video. The storyline revolves around detective Blanc solving the murder of Harlan Thrombey, an acclaimed mystery novelist.
Previous Films
In 2022, “Knives Out 2,” titled “Glass Onion,” debuted. This sequel is available on Netflix and features a new cast, including Edward Norton and Janelle Monáe, while Craig returned as Blanc.
Conclusion
As anticipation builds for “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” fans can look forward to another gripping entry in this critically acclaimed franchise. Mark your calendars for the Netflix release on December 12.
