The celebrated Knives Out franchise is set to enthrall audiences once again with its third instalment, Wake Up Dead Man. Following the successful model of its predecessor, the new film will first enjoy a cinematic run before becoming available for streaming on Netflix, offering fans the best of both worlds.
What is the Plot of Wake Up Dead Man?
The upcoming mystery promises to be detective Benoit Blanc's most perilous case to date. The story centres on a young priest, Father Jud Duplenticy, who is dispatched to assist the charismatic but controversial Monsignor Jefferson Wicks. It soon becomes apparent that the seemingly peaceful congregation is fraught with tension.
The community includes a diverse group of characters: the devout Martha Delacroix, the cautious groundskeeper Samson Holt, the high-strung lawyer Vera Draven, her politically ambitious brother Cy Draven, town doctor Nat Sharp, best-selling author Lee Ross, and concert cellist Simone Vivane.
The plot thickens when a sudden and seemingly impossible murder shatters the town's calm. With no clear suspect in sight, local police chief Geraldine Scott decides to enlist the help of the renowned detective Benoit Blanc. Together, they must untangle a logic-defying mystery that will test Blanc's skills like never before.
A Stellar Cast Joins Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig reprises his iconic role as the Southern sleuth Benoit Blanc, remaining the cornerstone of the film series. He is joined by an impressive ensemble of acting talent, making this the most star-studded cast in the franchise's history.
The cast includes Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks and Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix. Challengers star Andrew Scott takes on the role of author Lee Ross, while Jeremy Renner, who was the subject of a meta-joke in the previous film, appears as Dr. Nat Sharp.
Further adding to the film's prestige are Kerry Washington as lawyer Vera Draven, Mila Kunis as Police Chief Geraldine Scott, and Cailee Spaeny as cellist Simone Vivane. The lineup is rounded out by Daryl McCormack as aspiring politician Cy Draven and Thomas Haden Church as groundskeeper Samson Holt.
Cinema and Netflix Release Schedule
In a strategic move similar to other high-profile Netflix films this year, Wake Up Dead Man will debut in cinemas for a limited time before arriving on the streaming platform. This approach gives moviegoers the chance to experience the mystery on the big screen while building anticipation for its digital release.
The film will begin its theatrical run on November 27, 2025. The wait for home viewing is short, as Netflix has confirmed it will be available for streaming just a few weeks later. Subscribers can mark their calendars for December 12, 2025, when the film will be ready to watch from the comfort of their homes, just in time for the Christmas period.
