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Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is a 2025 American mystery film written and directed by Rian Johnson.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is a 2025 American mystery film written and directed by Rian Johnson. It is the third film in the Knives Out series and stars Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc, who investigates a death at a Catholic church. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and later received a limited theatrical release before streaming on Netflix.

Plot

The film centers on Benoit Blanc investigating the death of a Catholic priest. The case unfolds around a missing inheritance and a small-town church with a dark history.

Production

Rian Johnson wrote and directed the film and produced it with Ram Bergman through T-Street Productions. Filming concluded in August 2024.

Release

Wake Up Dead Man premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025. It then opened in select theaters on November 26, 2025, before streaming on Netflix on December 12, 2025.

Franchise

The film is the third entry in the Knives Out series, following Knives Out and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

Key facts

  • Third film in the Knives Out franchise.
  • Daniel Craig reprises his role as Benoit Blanc.
  • Rian Johnson wrote and directed the film.
  • Plot involves a death at a Catholic church and an inheritance dispute.
  • Premiered at TIFF, released in select theaters and on Netflix in 2025.
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Canadian context

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, giving it a notable Canadian exhibition connection.

Frequently asked questions

What is Knives Out 3 called?
Its official title is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
Who stars in the film?
Daniel Craig stars as Benoit Blanc, reprising his role from the earlier films.
Who directed Knives Out 3?
Rian Johnson wrote and directed the film.
When was it released?
It premiered on September 6, 2025, opened in select theaters on November 26, 2025, and streamed on Netflix on December 12, 2025.
What is the film about?
Benoit Blanc investigates a death tied to a Catholic priest, a church setting, and a missing inheritance.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wake_Up_Dead_Man
    Supports: Official title, franchise position, release dates, basic plot, and cast details.
  2. Deadline — https://deadline.com/2025/05/knives-out-3-release-date-netflix-1236412587/
    Supports: Netflix release date, production details, and confirmation of Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig.
  3. People — https://people.com/all-about-knives-3-wake-up-dead-man-release-date-cast-trailer-11857152
    Supports: Theatrical release date, Netflix release date, and plot description.
  4. Variety — https://variety.com/2025/film/news/knives-out-3-release-date-netflix-december-1236160094/
    Supports: Third-film status and Netflix release timing.