Knives Out 3: Release Date, Plot, Trailer, Cast & Details

The eagerly anticipated Knives Out 3, officially titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, is set to premiere soon, continuing the legacy of the beloved detective Benoit Blanc. Directed by Rian Johnson, this third installment promises another captivating murder mystery featuring a dynamic cast led by Daniel Craig.

Release Date and Distribution

Filming wrapped in August 2024, with a global release on Netflix scheduled for December 12, 2025. The film premiered earlier at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7. In addition to the streaming release, Wake Up Dead Man will have a limited theatrical run from November 26 to mid-December, extending slightly beyond its predecessor’s week-long theater debut.

Trailer and Early Impressions

The first official trailer, released in September 2025, hints at a complex and intriguing new case for Benoit Blanc. The mystery centers around the sudden death of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, portrayed by Josh Brolin, who is discovered dead inside a sealed concrete box during a church sermon. The trailer also introduces Josh O’Connor’s character, Rev. Jud Duplenticy, a junior priest working alongside Blanc to unravel this seemingly impossible crime.

All-Star Cast Lineup

This film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, blending returning favourites with notable newcomers:

• Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc
• Josh O’Connor as Rev. Jud Duplenticy
• Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix, a devoted Catholic and Wicks’ confidante
• Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, the murder victim
• Mila Kunis as Geraldine Scott, a police chief
• Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp, a local doctor
• Kerry Washington as Vera Draven, a lawyer
• Andrew Scott as Lee Ross, a best-selling author
• Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane, a former concert cellist
• Daryl McCormack as Cy Draven, an aspiring politician
• Thomas Haden Church as Samson Holt, the groundskeeper

Director Rian Johnson expressed his excitement about working with Jeremy Renner, referencing a playful nod to Renner’s hot sauce cameo in the previous film, Glass Onion. The cast members describe the production atmosphere as vibrant with strong camaraderie.

Plot Insights and Inspirations

The plot plunges into a locked-room mystery reminiscent of classic whodunits, inspired by literary greats such as Agatha Christie and John Dickson Carr. Carr was renowned for creating ‘impossible crime’ scenarios, including locked-door murders with no clear entry or exit points. Johnson incorporates this enigmatic style, expanding the tonal range between suspense, intellect, and entertainment.

In Wake Up Dead Man, Benoit Blanc and Rev. Jud Duplenticy navigate a close-knit Catholic community in upstate New York, unraveling secrets behind Monsignor Wicks’ baffling death. The film blends elements from BBC’s Father Brown and Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin, balancing drama with dark humor.

The list of suspects includes deeply layered characters, each with potential motives, which aligns with Johnson’s goal to bring complexity and freshness to the mystery genre. This approach aligns with current trends reflecting a resurgence of interest in detective fiction and thriller films, which have seen increases in both audience engagement and streaming consumption by almost 20% over the past two years, according to industry analytics from Nielsen (2024).

Critical Reception and Franchise Impact

Early reviews following the Toronto premiere indicate that Knives Out 3 is being hailed as Rian Johnson’s most ambitious and sophisticated Benoit Blanc installment to date, with critics praising its intricate storytelling and rich character development.

The Knives Out series has significantly influenced modern mystery cinema by revitalizing classic detective tropes with contemporary narratives and star-powered casts, contributing to growing popularity in mystery and crime genres on streaming platforms—Netflix reports a 15% uptick in viewership for whodunit content since 2023.

Why Wake Up Dead Man Stands Out

• Complex Narrative: Incorporates classic locked-door mystery elements with modern twists.
• Rich Character Ensemble: Diverse suspects with compelling backstories driving intrigue.
• Star Performance: Daniel Craig delivers a charismatic return, supported by a top-tier cast.
• Director’s Vision: Rian Johnson’s blend of suspense, wit, and style redefines the whodunit genre.
• Streaming + Theatrical Release: Balances accessibility and cinematic experience, reflecting evolving distribution trends.

Conclusion

Knives Out 3, Wake Up Dead Man, promises to be a landmark mystery thriller of 2025. With a compelling plot, a talented ensemble cast, and the expert direction of Rian Johnson, it continues the evolution of Benoit Blanc’s detective saga. The limited theatrical run coupled with Netflix’s wide reach ensures that fans old and new can experience this engaging whodunit this holiday season.

For those interested in refreshing their memory of the series, the second film, Glass Onion, remains a highly recommended watch. Meanwhile, keep an eye on reviews post-release, as this installment is shaping up to be a defining entry in the modern mystery movie canon.