Quick Read
- Daniel Craig reprises his role as Benoit Blanc in ‘Wake Up Dead Man,’ the third Knives Out film.
- Rian Johnson describes the script as his most difficult yet, blending comedy and suspense.
- The story centers on an impossible murder in an upstate New York parish.
- The film features a star-studded cast including Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, and Glenn Close.
- Limited theatrical release starts Nov. 26, with Netflix streaming beginning Dec. 12.
Benoit Blanc Faces His Greatest Challenge Yet in ‘Wake Up Dead Man’
The world’s most famous fictional detective, Benoit Blanc, returns in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever. As the trailer dropped on November 17, 2025, fans of the whodunit genre were quick to notice the darker, more perilous tone of Rian Johnson’s latest film, which promises to push both Blanc—and the audience—far beyond familiar territory.
Daniel Craig, having already made the character of Blanc iconic in Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022), reprises his role for a third time. In the trailer, Craig’s Blanc confesses, “This goes way beyond normal police work. This is something even I have not experienced.” It’s a tantalizing promise for fans who crave the unexpected, and Johnson seems intent on delivering exactly that.
A Murder Shakes an Upstate Parish
The story unfolds in an upstate New York parish, a community thrown into chaos when a shocking, seemingly impossible murder takes place. Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin, dies in front of his congregation—an event so inexplicable that local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) calls in the one detective she believes can untangle the mystery: Benoit Blanc.
The cast is a who’s-who of Hollywood talent. Josh O’Connor steps into the role of Jud Duplenticy, a former boxer turned priest, sent to assist the charismatic Monsignor Wicks. Glenn Close portrays Martha Delacroix, the devoted church lady, while Thomas Haden Church is Samson Holt, the wary groundskeeper. The ensemble also includes Kerry Washington as lawyer Vera Draven, Daryl McCormack as aspiring politician Cy Draven, Jeremy Renner as town doctor Nat Sharp, Andrew Scott as reclusive author Lee Ross, and Cailee Spaeny as concert cellist Simone Vivane.
As the parish reels from the murder, suspicion and secrets swirl. According to UPI, the crime occurs “on stage,” heightening both the theatricality and the sense of exposure. The trailer hints at a community on the brink, with faith and trust eroding as Blanc digs ever deeper.
Rian Johnson’s Darkest, Most Sincere Script
Director Rian Johnson, whose clever writing and inventive plotting have defined the Knives Out series, describes this chapter as “the hardest script I have ever had to write.” Johnson’s words set the tone for a film that is not just a puzzle to be solved but a meditation on belief, loyalty, and the danger lurking beneath the surface of small-town life.
The trailer’s atmosphere is thick with tension, but also with Johnson’s trademark wit. O’Connor, reflecting on the script, notes, “What made me want to do the movie was the balance between comedy and Rian’s writing, which is always uncovering something that we don’t often see in a comedy.” The film’s blend of humor and suspense sets it apart from typical crime dramas, ensuring that audiences will be kept guessing—and laughing—throughout.
Release Dates and Streaming Details
Wake Up Dead Man made its debut as the opening film of the 69th BFI London Film Festival in October, signaling its importance in the cinematic calendar. After a limited theatrical release beginning November 26, the film will be available to stream on Netflix starting December 12. This dual release strategy echoes the approach taken for Glass Onion, allowing both theatergoers and streaming audiences to experience the mystery as it unfolds.
The anticipation around the film is palpable. With Daniel Craig’s star power, a supporting cast packed with award-winning actors, and Johnson’s direction, expectations are set high for both critical acclaim and audience satisfaction.
Faith, Suspicion, and the Impossible
The heart of Wake Up Dead Man lies in its exploration of faith—both religious and personal. The parish community, led by figures with secrets of their own, must grapple not only with the loss of their leader but also with the suspicion that anyone among them could be a murderer. Blanc’s methodical approach is put to the ultimate test, as the clues seem to defy logic and the motives remain obscured.
As Mila Kunis’s police chief dryly remarks in the trailer, “There’s some ‘Scooby-Doo shit going on here.’” It’s a nod to the genre’s playful roots, but also to the sense of chaos and unpredictability that permeates the story. Can Blanc solve a crime that even he describes as “perfectly impossible”? Audiences will have to wait until November 26—or December 12 for Netflix viewers—to find out.
For those seeking more mysteries in the meantime, Netflix’s catalog includes Glass Onion, Murderville, and other titles sure to satisfy fans of the genre.
Johnson’s commitment to crafting a whodunit that is both intellectually challenging and emotionally resonant shines through in every aspect of ‘Wake Up Dead Man.’ By pushing Blanc into a scenario that tests the boundaries of logic and faith, the film promises not only an engrossing puzzle but a reflection on what truly drives us to seek the truth—even when it seems impossible.