Fans of detective thrillers and whodunit mysteries have been eagerly waiting for the next chapter in the Knives Out universe, and now the excitement is at its peak. A brand-new clip from Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery has been released, offering a short yet gripping look at what detective Benoit Blanc is walking into this time. Clocking in at just 32 seconds, the snippet manages to raise curiosity, spark intrigue, and promise some classic Benoit Blanc brilliance.
Set to premiere this Friday on Netflix, the film marks the third installment in the highly successful mystery franchise directed by Rian Johnson. With a new case, new suspects, and a fresh batch of intriguing characters, this story looks ready to take audiences on an unpredictable ride.
Benoit Blanc and the “Perfectly Impossible Crime”
In the newly released clip, we see Daniel Craig return to the beloved role of detective Benoit Blanc. This time, he finds himself discussing a baffling case with the police chief, played by Mila Kunis. The chemistry between the two is sharp and witty, a tone that has come to define the series.
Blanc calls the case “a textbook example of a perfectly impossible crime.” His eyes light up with enthusiasm as he dissects the puzzle, explaining how such a scenario belongs in fiction, not real life. And yet, somehow, it’s happening right in front of him.
This moment sets the tone for the film — a case so twisted, so meticulously crafted, that it challenges even Blanc’s near-flawless record. He goes on to describe it as “the holy grail” of detective mysteries, the kind of case investigators dream of unraveling.
His excitement doesn’t fully convince Kunis’ character, though. She responds with a grounded skepticism:
“I love the passion. I just need to feel confident you know this case is solvable.”
And this exchange gives viewers the first taste of the dynamic between Blanc and the authorities in this story.
“I’m Incapable of Not Solving a Crime” — Blanc’s Confidence Shines Again
Fans of the series know that Benoit Blanc is more than just a detective — he’s a showman. His personality, his flair, and his theatrical passion for solving puzzles are what make him such a memorable character.
In the clip, Craig’s character confidently declares:
“I’m incapable of not solving a crime.”
It’s a bold statement, but one that perfectly matches his character’s track record. Blanc thrives on the unraveling of a mystery. He describes the final reveal — that famous “checkmate” moment — as something he eagerly looks forward to.
“When I take the stage and unravel my opponent’s web. Oh you’ll see. It’s fun!”
This line alone is enough to hype fans for what’s coming. It signals that viewers can expect signature Blanc-style deduction scenes filled with tension, entertainment, and satisfying reveals.
A Powerful Cast Brings Depth to the Mystery
Just like the previous two films, Wake Up Dead Man features a star-studded ensemble cast. Each character brings a unique personality and backstory, which fuels the intricate plot.
Here’s a look at some of the key cast members:
- Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc
- Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks — the murder victim who dies dramatically on stage
- Glenn Close as a “devout church lady”
- Thomas Haden Church as the “wary groundskeeper”
- Kerry Washington as a “tightly wound lawyer”
- Mila Kunis as the police chief working closely with Blanc
- Daryl McCormack, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Josh O’Connor, Cailee Spaeny
This combination of personalities ensures that the mystery remains layered, unpredictable, and full of surprises.
Each character is designed to bring the audience closer to uncovering the truth. With a murder occurring publicly on stage, the circumstances are already dramatic, but the hidden motives and complex relationships add even more depth.
The Legacy of the Knives Out World Continues
The franchise began in 2019 with Knives Out, a film celebrated for reintroducing the classic whodunit genre to the modern era. Then came Glass Onion in 2022, which expanded the universe and gave Benoit Blanc a larger-than-life case set around billionaire tech drama.
Now, with Wake Up Dead Man, the world of Benoit Blanc continues to evolve. What makes this series stand out is not just the mystery itself, but how each installment feels completely new while maintaining that signature charm.
Each film introduces an entirely new setting, an entirely new cast, and an entirely new mystery — which keeps fans hooked and prevents the franchise from feeling repetitive.
A Mystery That Begins with a Death on Stage
One of the most intriguing elements of the film is the murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, portrayed by Josh Brolin. What makes this death unusual is where and how it happens — on stage. A public setting, numerous witnesses, and still… a mystery no one can explain.
This setup creates the perfect environment for Benoit Blanc. A high-profile case, a list of suspects with hidden motives, and layers of clues waiting to be untangled make for a gripping story.
The supporting characters — from the church lady to the groundskeeper to the tightly wound lawyer — all contribute to the atmosphere of suspicion. Every person seems to have a reason to be involved, whether innocent or not.
The Clip Sets the Tone — Smart, Sharp, and Full of Character
Even in just 32 seconds, the new clip effectively delivers:
- Sharp dialogues
- Strong character chemistry
- An immediate sense of mystery
- A hint of humor
- Benoit Blanc’s signature confidence
It promises a film filled with suspense, intelligence, and extraordinary storytelling.
For fans of the franchise, these short glimpses increase anticipation and set expectations. For newcomers, the clip acts as a perfect introduction to what makes Benoit Blanc such an iconic detective.