Netflix Drops Teaser for ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,’ Set for December 2025 Release

Netflix has released the first teaser for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third installment in Rian Johnson’s celebrated whodunit franchise.

The film is scheduled to premiere on December 12, 2025. Daniel Craig reprises his role as the clever detective Benoit Blanc, who faces what is described as his “most dangerous case yet.”

The teaser trailer provides limited details but begins with Blanc declaring, “The impossible crime,” alongside shadowy visuals of a church, setting an eerie and suspenseful tone.

The plot remains tightly guarded, though the teaser and synopsis suggest a more intricate investigation compared to the previous two films. Rian Johnson, who wrote and directed both Knives Out and Glass Onion, returns to lead this sequel.

Star-Studded Cast and Characters

The ensemble cast boasts several notable names including Kerry Washington, Josh Brolin, Cailee Spaeny, Josh O’Connor, Mila Kunis, Andrew Scott, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Thomas Haden Church, Daryl McCormack, Annie Hamilton, Kerry Frances, and Marcus Edward Bond.

Josh Brolin and Josh O’Connor both portray priests, while Mila Kunis plays a police chief named G. Scott. Several cast members joined Johnson at Netflix’s Tudum 2025 live event, where the film was previewed.

Daniel Craig made a surprise appearance, sporting his signature blue-tinted sunglasses, while Glenn Close humorously explained via video that she was “stuck in traffic.”

Production Details and Netflix Deal

Produced by Johnson and Ram Bergman under their T-Street banner, the movie is part of Netflix’s two-sequel agreement for the Knives Out franchise.

The score will be composed by Nathan Johnson, continuing his collaboration with Rian Johnson. The film is expected to have a limited theatrical release in the United States prior to its Netflix debut.

Returning Detective Benoit Blanc and The Franchise’s Success

Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc, the eccentric Southern detective leading another star-studded cast. Joining him are Josh O’Connor (Challengers), Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla), Josh Brolin (Dune), Andrew Scott (Ripley), Daryl McCormack (Bad Sisters), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Mila Kunis (Luckiest Girl Alive), Kerry Washington (Scandal), Glenn Close (Hillbilly Elegy), and Thomas Haden Church (Spider-Man 3).

Wake Up Dead Man follows the critically acclaimed 2019 Knives Out and its 2022 sequel Glass Onion. Both previous films received praise and were major streaming hits.

Each installment features a unique murder mystery with a fresh cast, connected by Daniel Craig’s character Benoit Blanc.

A Darker Tone and Complex Mystery

The teaser hints at a darker tone for the franchise. Blanc ominously refers to “the impossible crime,” with the visuals suggesting a gothic atmosphere centered around a church. This indicates a more serious and complex storyline than seen before.

Blanc warns in voice-over that this will be “his most dangerous case yet,” promising fans a high-stakes mystery crafted by Johnson’s signature writing and directing.

Rian Johnson’s Vision and Cast Chemistry

Johnson described the cast as a “murderers’ row” of talent, featuring some of his favorite actors, and promises strong performances and chemistry throughout the film.

The director also expressed his excitement for exploring the whodunit genre’s tonal range, blending clever twists and humor with darker elements.

Filming and Cast Impressions

Filming took place in London. Glenn Close praised the experience as one of the best in her career, commending Johnson’s direction and the ensemble’s dynamic. The cast and crew’s enthusiasm adds to the anticipation for the film’s release.

Anticipation Builds for December Release

Netflix confirmed the global release date for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery as December 12, 2025, announced at their Tudum fan event. Fans can expect another thrilling mystery with Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc at the center, supported by a talented cast and Rian Johnson’s inventive storytelling.

This third chapter in the Knives Out series promises to venture into a darker, more gothic narrative while maintaining the cleverness and humor that made the first two films beloved worldwide.