Detective Benoit Blanc returns in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third installment of Rian Johnson’s beloved whodunit franchise. Set apart from its predecessors, this standalone sequel plunges Blanc into a darker, more gothic realm. The story unfolds within the confines of a small-town church in upstate New York, where a murder shrouded in spiritual overtones awaits investigation.

The cast is an extraordinary ensemble, headlined by Daniel Craig as the ever-resourceful Blanc. He is joined by Josh O’Connor, playing Reverend Jud; Josh Brolin as Monseigneur Wicks; Glenn Close; Mila Kunis as a sheriff; Jeremy Renner; Kerry Washington; Andrew Scott; Cailee Spaeny; Daryl McCormack; and Thomas Haden Church . This lineup promises not only star power but rich character interplay and suspense.

At its core, the film revolves around the mysterious death of Monseigneur Wicks, whose demise in a locked-room setting inside the church exudes an air of the uncanny. Blanc must sift through a web of religious imagery, miraculous implications, and theological symbolism to uncover the truth. Themes of faith, sin, redemption, and possibly resurrection surface as Blanc navigates this metaphysical labyrinth.

The tone of Wake Up Dead Man marks a deliberate shift from the spirited wit of Knives Out and Glass Onion toward a more somber, emotionally layered approach. Rian Johnson embraces gothic and spiritual tones—drawing inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe—that enrich the narrative with haunting depth while still preserving his signature twists and humor.

This film premiered internationally at the Toronto International Film Festival, where the cast’s chemistry made headlines—Josh Brolin jokingly compared their camaraderie to an “orgy,” and others shared how laughter and joy permeated the set. Daniel Craig reflected on his role as Blanc, drawing comparisons to James Bond, and hinted that he would continue if compelling scripts kept coming—a notion echoed by Johnson’s willingness to explore further entries in the franchise.

Wake Up Dead Man will receive a brief theatrical release starting November 26, 2025, followed by streaming on Netflix beginning December 12, 2025. Despite director Johnson’s desire for a broader theatrical run, Netflix maintains the limited two-week window, akin to the rollout of Glass Onion.

In conclusion, Wake Up Dead Man promises to be a bold reinvention of the Knives Out formula. This time, Blanc faces not only a murder to solve but existential and theological quandaries—while surrounded by an outstanding cast and immersed in a richly atmospheric backdrop. It’s a darker, more introspective installment that respects the spirit of the series while charting new creative ground.