Hollywood's elite gathered in spectacular fashion on Monday evening for the Los Angeles premiere of Wake Up Dead Man, the highly anticipated sequel to the Knives Out mystery franchise. While stars including Mila Kunis and Kerry Washington brought timeless glamour to the red carpet, the event was notably missing one key cast member embroiled in controversy.
Red Carpet Radiance and Fashion Statements
Mila Kunis and Kerry Washington led the stellar turnout at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, both projecting elegant sophistication that captured attention. The 42-year-old That '70s Show actress glowed in a cream satin dress featuring an off-the-shoulder design and silver sequined crescents that created the illusion of peek-a-boo lingerie. She completed her look with lustrous raven tresses swept over one shoulder in thick waves.
Meanwhile, Kerry Washington, 48, favoured a more elaborate brown satin gown with a plunging neckline and heavily ruched front. The Scandal star's ensemble included dramatic beaded clasps over her midriff and a long train, paired perfectly with matching pointed-toe heels.
They were joined by several co-stars from the new film, including Josh Brolin, Josh O'Connor, and Cailee Spaeny, all bringing their unique fashion sensibilities to the prestigious event.
The Notable Absence and Explosive Allegations
Jeremy Renner was conspicuously absent from the premiere festivities following serious allegations made public earlier this month. The 54-year-old actor, who plays Dr. Nat Sharp in the film, sat out the event after Chinese filmmaker Yi Zhou made explosive claims to the Daily Mail.
Zhou alleged that Renner sexually harassed her and threatened to "call ICE" on her following their professional falling out. According to her account, the actor began sending unsolicited nude photos and explicit videos during their collaboration on a film project.
The situation reportedly escalated when Renner became intoxicated during a meeting at his residence, prompting Zhou to lock herself in his bathroom for safety while he allegedly "yelled for two hours." She provided the publication with a photograph purportedly showing Renner drinking wine at his home.
Zhou claimed that when she confronted Renner about his behaviour and asked for proper respect as a woman and filmmaker, he threatened her with immigration authorities. "When I called him out privately about his past misconduct and asked him to behave properly, to respect me as a woman and as a filmmaker, he threatened to call immigration/ICE on me, an act that deeply shocked and frightened me," the Chinese filmmaker stated.
Renner's Response and Cast Fashion Highlights
Renner has firmly denied these allegations through a cease-and-desist letter from his legal representatives. While admitting to a "brief consensual encounter" with Zhou, the actor maintained that he had attempted to end their relationship and rejected her claims of harassment and threats.
Meanwhile, the premiere proceeded with dazzling fashion displays from the attending cast. Cailee Spaeny opted for a more reserved black tiered dress adorned with patterned tonal stripes and sequins, while Josh O'Connor continued his trend of fashion-forward oversized suits, this time choosing a black double-breasted design with voluminous trousers.
Josh Brolin arrived with his wife, Kathryn Boyd Brolin, sporting a brown sport coat with an intriguing shawl lapel over an olive waistcoat. The couple displayed clear affection, with Brolin later sharing a warm moment with co-star Kerry Washington, planting a kiss on her shoulder during an embrace.
Other notable attendees included Janelle Monae, who starred in the previous Knives Out installment Glass Onion, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, former SNL star Fred Armisen with his wife Riki Lindhome, and director Rian Johnson himself.
The film continues the adventures of Daniel Craig's private detective Benoit Blanc, this time investigating a mysterious death involving Josh O'Connor's character, Reverend Jud Duplenticy, and his congregants. Wake Up Dead Man will debut in select theatres on November 26, followed by its streaming release on Netflix on December 12.
