In a major coup for the streaming giant, Netflix has emerged victorious from a fierce bidding war to secure the rights to the next instalment in the Knives Out franchise, 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery'. The platform outmanoeuvred traditional Hollywood heavyweights Paramount and Universal to land the highly anticipated film.
The deal sees the return of the beloved detective Benoit Blanc, with Daniel Craig set to reprise his iconic role. Director and writer Rian Johnson, the mastermind behind the critically acclaimed series, is also back on board, ensuring the continuation of the franchise's signature blend of sharp wit and intricate plotting.
A Streaming Power Play
This acquisition is a significant power play for Netflix in the ongoing streaming wars. Securing a franchise of this calibre, with its proven track record of both critical and commercial success, is a major win. The first two films, Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022), were global phenomenons, with the latter earning a staggering $15 million in a one-week theatrical run before its Netflix debut.
The intense competition for the project underscores the immense value placed on original, star-driven content that can capture the global audience's imagination.
What We Know About 'Wake Up Dead Man'
While plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, the title announcement was made with a dramatic, minute-long video teaser. The clip features Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc in a state of perplexion, stating: "In the beginning, the knives came out. Then, the glass was shattered. And now, to die for... the next Benoit Blanc mystery. Wake Up Dead Man."
Fans can expect another A-list ensemble cast, a complex web of suspects, and the clever, modern twist on the classic whodunnit that has become the series' hallmark. Production is expected to begin shortly, with a global release on Netflix slated for a future date.
