Wake Up Dead Man: Everything We Know About Knives Out 3's Cast, Plot, And December 2025 Release Date

The "Knives Out" franchise is officially returning with a third installment, and the details are fresher and more intriguing than ever. As of December 2025, fans of the modern whodunit genre are eagerly anticipating the next adventure of the world's greatest detective, Benoit Blanc, in *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery*. This new chapter promises to maintain the series' signature blend of high-stakes mystery, satirical social commentary, and a dazzling all-star ensemble cast, all under the masterful direction of creator Rian Johnson. The third film, which will once again see Daniel Craig reprise his role as the charming Southern sleuth, is set to premiere on Netflix following a limited theatrical run. The confirmed release date is December 12, 2025, with a special two-week theatrical window starting on November 26, 2025. This article breaks down all the confirmed, current information about the film's title, its new stellar cast, and the mysterious plot details that have been revealed so far.

The Confirmed Cast and Character Roster for Wake Up Dead Man

The *Knives Out* series is defined by its rotating cast of suspects, each a famous face playing a new, often eccentric, character. *Wake Up Dead Man* is no exception, already assembling an incredible list of actors to join Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc.

The Returning Detective

• Daniel Craig as Detective Benoit Blanc: The renowned detective with the distinctive Southern drawl is the only character to appear in all three films. His involvement guarantees a fresh, complex murder mystery.

The New Ensemble of Suspects (A-Z)

In keeping with tradition, the new mystery introduces a completely fresh set of characters and a new location. The confirmed ensemble cast is already a star-studded lineup, promising a dynamic clash of personalities:

• Glenn Close: An Academy Award nominee known for her powerful roles in films like *Fatal Attraction*.
• Andrew Scott: The Emmy-nominated star of *Fleabag* and *All of Us Strangers*, known for his intense and charismatic performances.
• Josh O'Connor as Rev. Jud Duplenticy: The Emmy-winning star of *The Crown* has been confirmed for a key role, which appears to be a religious figure, hinting at the film's setting.
• Kerry Washington: The Golden Globe-nominated star of *Scandal*, bringing her dramatic presence to the whodunit.
• ...and several other major names expected to be announced soon, continuing the franchise's trend of attracting A-list talent.

This mix of established legends and contemporary stars ensures that the chemistry and dramatic tension will be at an all-time high, a core component of the *Knives Out* appeal.

Plot Teases and The Locked-Room Mystery Setting

While plot details for Rian Johnson's films are always kept tightly under wraps, the title and early announcements for *Wake Up Dead Man* give fans a glimpse into the kind of puzzle Benoit Blanc will be facing.

The Significance of the Title

The full title, *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery*, follows the pattern established by the second film, *Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery*, by using a distinct, self-contained phrase. The phrase "Wake Up Dead Man" suggests a darker, perhaps more gothic or spiritual theme compared to the sunny, tech-billionaire backdrop of *Glass Onion*.

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A Church and a Locked-Room Puzzle

Early reports suggest the film's setting involves a church, with Josh O'Connor playing a character named Rev. Jud Duplenticy. Furthermore, the mystery is being described as the "ultimate locked-room mystery." This classic trope involves a crime, typically a murder, committed in a location that appears impossible for the killer to have entered or exited. This will challenge Benoit Blanc's deductive skills in a way that is structurally different from the sprawling mansion of the first film or the private Greek island of the second. The shift in setting—from a New England estate to a Mediterranean retreat, and now potentially a more confined, traditional space—shows Rian Johnson’s commitment to keeping the formula fresh.

The Knives Out Cinematic Universe: Building Topical Authority

To truly appreciate the anticipation for *Wake Up Dead Man*, it helps to look back at the foundation of the franchise, which has become a modern cinematic phenomenon. The success of the first two films is a testament to Rian Johnson's vision and the power of the ensemble cast format.

Knives Out (2019): The Original Whodunit

The film that started it all introduced the world to Benoit Blanc and the dysfunctional Thrombey family. The massive ensemble cast included:

• Ana de Armas as Marta Cabrera
• Chris Evans as Ransom Drysdale
• Jamie Lee Curtis as Linda Drysdale
• Michael Shannon as Walt Thrombey
• Toni Collette as Joni Thrombey
• Don Johnson as Richard Drysdale
• Christopher Plummer as Harlan Thrombey
• LaKeith Stanfield as Lieutenant Elliott

The film was a massive critical and commercial success, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay and revitalizing the murder mystery genre for a new generation.

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Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022): The Greek Island Getaway

The first Netflix sequel took the action to a private Greek island, focusing on a group of "disruptors" gathered by tech billionaire Miles Bron. The second film solidified the franchise's identity as a series of self-contained mysteries with a new cast, including:

• Edward Norton as Miles Bron
• Janelle Monáe as Andi Brand / Helen Brand
• Kathryn Hahn as Claire Debella
• Leslie Odom Jr. as Lionel Toussaint
• Jessica Henwick as Peg
• Madelyn Cline as Whiskey
• Kate Hudson as Birdie Jay
• Dave Bautista as Duke Cody

This film further explored themes of wealth, privilege, and the modern elite, proving that the formula could travel and adapt to new social commentaries, a key reason for the series' enduring appeal.

The Future of the Benoit Blanc Franchise

The journey for Benoit Blanc is far from over. The original deal with Netflix was for two sequels, *Glass Onion* and *Wake Up Dead Man*, but both Rian Johnson and star Daniel Craig have expressed strong enthusiasm for continuing the series.

Johnson has indicated that he has no intention of stopping, provided he can maintain the creative freedom that has defined the series. Craig has echoed this sentiment, making it clear he is eager to continue playing the Southern detective as long as Johnson is writing and directing. This suggests that *Wake Up Dead Man* will not be the final chapter, and fans can look forward to more murder mysteries, more star-studded ensemble casts, and more of Detective Benoit Blanc's brilliant deductions in the years to come. The *Knives Out* franchise is a definitive success story for Netflix and modern cinema, and its future looks as bright as a glass onion in the Mediterranean sun.

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