Get ready, because Wake Up Dead Man has officially been announced as the third Knives Out film, and we know plenty.
Over the course of the past decade, Rian Johnson has gone from being the director behind one of the most divisive Star Wars movies to the beloved creator of the next great murder mystery comedy franchise with Knives Out. It’s safe to say that fans of Johnson’s dark comedies, and whodunits in general, are eager to see what the future holds for the property.
And now, we know that Knives Out 3, officially titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, is confirmed with a new mystery, a new location, a new set of characters (besides Mr. Blanc, of course), and a new level of intrigue. Here is what we know so far.
What Is The Knives Out 3 Premiere Date?
At the time of updating this in June 2024, Wake Up Dead Man should release at some point in 2025. The news was reported by Deadline in May, along with the official title.
While it won’t be on any 2024 movie schedule, or the Netflix movie schedule in the near future, we can at least look forward to it coming out in 2025.
We also know that it will eventually stream on Netflix thanks to the massive exclusivity deal Johnson signed with the streaming giant in the spring of 2021.
The Wake Up Dead Man Cast
In May and June 2024, a slew of casting announcements began to pile in for the Wake Up Dead Man cast. Here is who we know will star in the film so far:
Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc
Deadline confirmed in January 2024 that Daniel Craig will return to reprise his role as Benoit Blanc – and honestly, thank God, because I don’t think these movies would be the same without him.
Craig has portrayed the famous detective since 2019 during the first Knives Out film, and has since become beloved even more so for his great portrayal, hilarious timing, and spectacular acting skills. It wouldn’t quite be Knives Out if he wasn’t there.
In addition to the lead role in the two Knives Out movies, Craig has appeared in plenty of other films, including Elizabeth, Munich, Logan Lucky, The Golden Compass and many others. Many people nowadays most likely recognize him from his time in the James Bond movies where he played the titular character, all of which were critically acclaimed.
Granted, the Knives Out movies could always go the James Bond route and recast the character every other decade with a new actor, but I think these movies are perfect just the way they are.
Josh O’Conner
In late May 2024, Deadline revealed the first two cast members aside from Craig that would star in Wake Up Dead Man. The first is Josh O’Conner. The actor has gained a significant amount of fame in the last couple of months for his role in Challengers, but he also earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of Charles, Prince of Wales in The Crown. He also co-starred in Emma.
Cailee Spaeny
That Deadline article above also confirmed Cailee Spaeny was signed on for Wake Up Dead Man. The actress gained critical acclaim for her portrayal of Priscilla Presley in Priscilla in 2023, and she’s also appeared in Civil War, Pacific Rim Uprising, Vice and more.
Jeremy Renner
A Marvel alum has joined Wake Up Dead Man, as Deadline reported in late May 2024 that Jeremy Renner has signed on. Renner has gained a lot of fame over the last decade for his portrayal of Hawkeye in the MCU, and the actor has also appeared in several other films, like The Hurt Locker, The Town, 28 Weeks Later and more. He’s also the star of Mayor of Kingstown. This will be his first major movie role since his life-threatening accident in 2022.
Kerry Washington
Deadline reported in late May 2024 that Kerry Washington had signed on for Wake Up Dead Man. The actress starred in Scandal for many seasons, and also appeared in the miniseries Little Fires Everywhere. She has had roles in films like Ray, The Last King of Scotland, Django Unchained and more.
Mila Kunis
Keeping this Deadline train rolling, the outlet also reported in late May 2024 that Mila Kunis had signed on for Wake Up Dead Man. Kunis gained fame for her role in That ‘70s Show, and has since appeared in a variety of films of many genres, such as Black Swan, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Book of Eli, and more.
Andrew Scott
Variety reported in late May 2024 that Andrew Scott had signed on for Wake Up Dead Man. The actor recently starred in All Of UsStrangers, but has appeared in various other films, as well as a major role as Moriarty in the Sherlock TV series.
Glenn Close
The Hollywood Reporter stated in late May 2024 that Glenn Close had joined the ensemble for Wake Up Dead Man. The actress has been in the industry for decades, with some of her biggest roles being Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, The Natural, The Big Chill, and more.
Daryl McCormack
On the last day of May 2024, Variety reported that Daryl McCormack had joined the cast of Wake Up Dead Man. The actor has appeared in Fair City, Peaky Blinders, Bad Sisters, and more, and held a starring role in the movie Good Luck to You, Leo Grande in 2022.
Josh Brolin
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Josh Brolin had signed on for Wake Up Dead Man in early June 2024. Brolin currently stars on Outer Range on Amazon Prime, but has appeared in movies such as Sicario, the Dune franchise, Only the Brave, Deadpool 2, Hail, Caesar! and more, as well as his long-time portrayal of Thanos in the MCU.
Thomas Haden Church
The Wrap confirmed in early June 2024 that Thomas Haden Church also joined the cast of Wake Up Dead Man. The actor played the Sandman in Spider-Man 3 and in Spider-Man: No Way Home, and he’s also appeared in films such as Sideways, Smart People, Easy A, Max, Hellboy and more.
Jeez, talk about a freaking cast. I’m already eager to see what mystery is brought here.
Filming Began In June 2024
Plot details are all unknown at this point, but what we do know is that Wake Up Dead Man began filming in June 2024. The director shared the news on his Twitter page, cementing the start of filming:
Aaaaand we’re off! Today is day 1 of shooting on the next Benoit Blanc mystery “Wake Up Dead Man” - see you on the other side. pic.twitter.com/Napfvq1zXTJune 10, 2024
With this in mind, that 2025 premiere date feels even closer.
Rian Johnson Will Write And Direct Again
While plot details are scarce, we do know who’s directing and writing – – specifically Johnson will return to direct and write again.
This was further confirmed by several of the Deadline articles above, reiterating that Johnson would be working on the third movie. Considering the last few movies have been critically acclaimed for their stories, this makes me even happier.
Rian Johnson Plans To Make More Knives Out Movies
As it currently stands, Wake Up Dead Man is currently the only upcoming movie in the franchise that has been greenlit by Netflix, but this isn’t to say Rian Johnson is going to end things after the third movie is released. During the premiere of Glass Onion at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival (via Variety), Johnson joked about the property’s future, saying he plans to keep making them until Daniel Craig “blocks me on his phone.”
Who knows, maybe Johnson and Craig will team up enough times to match, or even eclipse the actor’s James Bond appearances. In case you were wondering, Craig played 007 a total of five times, starting with 2006’s Casino Royale and ending with 2021’s No Time to Die.
Don’t Forget About Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery And The Original Knives Out
I know we’re all waiting for Knives Out 3, but don’t forget that the first two films are available to watch online, whether through streaming or renting. You can check out Knives Out on AMC+, and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is streaming on Netflix.
Rent/Buy Knives Out on Amazon.
Stream Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery on Netflix.
Expect to hear more about Wake Up Dead Man as time goes on. Until then, we’ll just need to be patient – and somehow not lose our mind while waiting.
