Daniel Craig is back as the brilliant and eccentric detective Benoit Blanc in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the latest installment in Rian Johnson’s modern whodunit universe. The new film promises a fresh, gripping mystery that takes Blanc into one of his most puzzling investigations yet—an “impossible” crime that unfolds dramatically on stage.
The film premiered at the 69th BFI London Film Festival and generated instant buzz thanks to its star-studded cast, mind-bending plot, and Craig’s magnetic return as Blanc. Set to stream on Netflix from December 12 after a limited theatrical release beginning November 26, this movie is shaping up to be a major winter highlight for mystery lovers.
A New Mystery for Benoit Blanc
In the newly released preview, Craig’s Benoit Blanc declares something that sums up his entire character: he is “incapable of not solving a crime.” This time, however, he faces a case described as “perfectly impossible.”
The central crime revolves around the shocking on-stage murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, portrayed by Josh Brolin. The dramatic setting and the unusual nature of the murder instantly raise the stakes, setting Blanc on a path filled with twists, secrets, and strange personalities who might be hiding more than they reveal.
A Brilliant Ensemble Cast
The film features an exceptional lineup of characters, each one suspicious in their own way. According to the official character descriptions, the late Monsignor Wicks’ small but loyal community includes:
- Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close) – A deeply devoted church lady whose faith and loyalty may be masking something more.
- Sampson Holt (Thomas Haden Church) – The cautious and possibly secretive groundskeeper.
- Vera Draven (Kerry Washington) – A high-strung lawyer with plenty of reason to be tense.
- Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack) – Vera’s son, a rising political figure with ambitions that could complicate motives.
- Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner) – The town doctor whose medical expertise could play a pivotal role in the investigation.
- Lee Ross (Andrew Scott) – A reclusive author with a mysterious past.
- Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny) – A talented cellist whose creative world might intersect dangerously with the crime.
Adding to the intrigue, Mila Kunis steps into the role of the police chief who enlists Blanc’s help, and Josh O’Connor joins the lineup as a priest named Jud Duplenticy.
The diverse personalities within the Monsignor’s circle suggest that the film will deliver the classic Knives Out blend of humor, suspicion, and unexpected motives—all wrapped in sharp writing and stylish direction.
The Legacy of the ‘Knives Out’ Franchise
Rian Johnson reinvented the whodunit genre with Knives Out in 2019. The fresh storytelling, clever humor, and Daniel Craig’s unforgettable southern detective made the film a global hit. Its success led to the 2022 sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, which expanded the world of Benoit Blanc with a new setting, new suspects, and another sharp, twist-heavy mystery.
Wake Up Dead Man marks the third entry in this continually evolving universe, proving that audiences have a strong appetite for clever, character-driven mysteries. Each installment introduces a completely new story and cast, allowing Benoit Blanc to explore different environments and personalities while maintaining the classic structure of a whodunit.
With this installment opening a major film festival and boasting an even more impressive cast, expectations are sky-high.
A Mystery Built on Tension, Humor & Surprises
The preview hints that Wake Up Dead Man embraces a darker tone than previous chapters, with the “impossible” nature of the crime adding a supernatural or surreal edge—something Blanc himself acknowledges with curiosity rather than intimidation.
Blanc’s witty charm, observational brilliance, and quirky mannerisms once again serve as the heart of the film. His interactions with the eccentric townspeople, along with the contrasting personalities within the Monsignor’s circle, set the stage for plenty of comedic moments amidst the tension.
Rian Johnson’s writing style often blends humor and suspense seamlessly, keeping viewers entertained while challenging them to solve the puzzle. This film appears to push those boundaries even further.
Release Plans and Audience Expectations
After its limited theater run starting November 26, Wake Up Dead Man will be available for streaming on Netflix from December 12. Given the previous success of the franchise, this release is expected to draw massive viewership across global audiences.
Fans of Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc are particularly eager, especially since the detective has become one of cinema’s most beloved modern characters—quirky yet brilliant, amusing yet always in control.
This new chapter aims to deepen Blanc’s character, push him into more complex dilemmas, and introduce new emotional layers through the people he encounters.
Conclusion
With Wake Up Dead Man, the Knives Out universe is set to take another exciting leap. Daniel Craig continues to redefine the modern detective figure, and the dynamic ensemble cast adds multiple layers to the mystery. Rian Johnson’s storytelling, packed with twists, humor, and unexpected revelations, ensures that fans will once again experience an engaging and thrilling ride.
Whether you’re a die-hard mystery lover, a fan of Craig’s unforgettable Benoit Blanc, or someone who enjoys stylish, character-driven cinema, this upcoming release is worth the anticipation.